Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
noun
the final resolution of the intricacies of a plot, as of a drama or novel.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1745–55.
- From French, literally means, “an untying.”
- Noer from Old French means “to knot” and comes from a Latin derivative of nōdus, “knot.”
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- As the play reached its denouement, the audience held their breath in anticipation.
- In a surprising denouement, the protagonist turned out to be the long-lost heir to the fortune.
adjective
suitable for use as food; edible.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1615–25.
- Comes from Latin ēsculentus, “edible, full of food.”
- Esculentus shares a root with escarole, "a broad leaf used in salads."
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- Explorers in the jungle had to rely on their survival skills to find esculent plants for sustenance.
- The food critic praised the restaurant for its innovative dishes featuring esculent flowers and herbs.
noun
fate; destiny.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1840–50.
- Comes from Turkish ultimately from Arabic qisma, qismat-, meaning “division, portion, lot, fate.”
- Although a term from Islam, kismet is popularly used to refer to something that one believes was meant to be or the reason why such a thing happened.
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- The unexpected encounter with an old friend at the airport felt like kismet.
- As he stood on the stage, delivering his award-winning speech, he couldn't help but feel that kismet had guided him to this moment.
noun
loose knee-length pants in general.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1570–80.
- Earlier forms include gallogascaine(s) and galigascon(s).
- Perhaps an alteration of obsolete French garguesque that was influenced by galley, "a kitchen or an area with kitchen facilities in a ship, plane, or camper," and Gascon, "a native of Gascony, France."
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- As I rummaged through the old trunk, I stumbled upon a pair of vintage galligaskins, bringing back memories of fashion trends from the past.
- She chose to wear comfortable galligaskins for her outdoor adventure, ensuring she could freely move and explore without any restrictions.
noun
an object or person whose name is not known or cannot be recalled.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1920–25.
- An alteration of the phrase who's this.
- Similar to whatsis, a reduced form of what's this.
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- "Can you pass me the whoosis on the shelf?" she asked. "I need it for this project."
- "When I went to the store, I realized I forgot my wallet, so I had to leave the whoosis at the checkout counter," he lamented.
