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.
adjective
daily.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1300–50.
- Comes from Latin quotīdiānus, "daily," which is similar to cottīdi(ē) "every day."
- Quotīdiānus is formed from quot, "however many occur, every" and diē, a form of diēs, "day."
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- The journalist's task is to uncover the hidden stories within the fabric of quotidian life and shed light on important societal issues.
- As an astronomer, I study the celestial bodies that shine in the sky each night, but it's the quotidian beauty of a fading sunset that always captivates me.
verb
to mix or merge so as to make a combination; blend; unite.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1635–45.
- Formed from amalgam, "an alloy of mercury with another metal."
- Amalgam came from the combination of Arabic al, "the," and malgham, from Greek málagma, "softening agent."
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- The artist chose to amalgamate different art styles in her painting, resulting in a truly original piece.
- The chef amalgamated various flavors to create a unique culinary masterpiece.
adjective
(of the voice or speech) characterized by strength, fullness, richness, and clearness.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1785–95.
- Comes from a contraction of the Latin phrase ōre rotundō, meaning "with round mouth."
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- The opera singer's orotund vocals soared through the air, enveloping the concert hall in a wave of rich and sonorous melody.
- The actor's orotund voice captivated the audience with its powerful resonance.
verb
to require as an essential condition in making an agreement.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1615–25.
- From the past participle of the Latin word stipulārī, “to demand a formal agreement.”
- Stipulārī appears to be related to the Latin word for "stalk," containing the stem stipul-, "firm."
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- The scholarship application stipulates that applicants must have taken 3 years of a second language.
- The terms and conditions stipulate that customers must notify the company within 48 hours of a product defect.
noun
an old, decrepit, or unpretentious automobile.
Explanation
- An Americanism dating back to 1925–30.
- Of uncertain origin.
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- Passing by, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of a man in a dapper suit climbing out of an old jalopy.
- Driving down the dusty road, I spotted a jalopy rusting away in the abandoned field.
