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
a distinctive scent, usually described as earthy, pleasant, or sweet, produced by rainfall on very dry ground.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1960–65.
- Comes from petro-, a combining form meaning "rock," and ichor, which in classical mythology means “ethereal fluid flowing in the veins of the gods.”
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- The desert landscape was quickly transformed as petrichor filled the air after a long-awaited rainstorm.
- As the storm passed, leaving behind puddles and damp earth, the sweet petrichor lingered like a fond memory.
noun
any of several salamanders that inhabit lakes and ponds of Mexico and remain in the larval stage as sexually mature adults.
Explanation
- First recorded in English around 1780–90.
- Comes from the Nahuatl word āxōlōtl.
- The word āxōlōtl combines ā(tl), meaning "water" and xōlōtl, which means "page or attendant."
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- Mexican lakes and ponds provide the perfect habitat for the axolotl to thrive in its unique larval form.
- Scientists study the axolotl to better understand regeneration capabilities in amphibians.
verb
to write poetry.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1575–85.
- Formed from the word poet.
- Poet comes via the Middle English word poete from Greek poiētḗs, which meant, literally, "maker."
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- As the sun set over the horizon, he felt inspired to poetize his feelings on paper.
- During her travels, she would poetize about the various cultures and landscapes she encountered.
verb (used with object)
to pay, recompense, or reward for work, trouble, etc.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1515–25.
- Comes from the past participle of the Latin word remūnerāri, “to repay, reward.”
- Remūnerāri comes from the Latin prefix re-, "again," and mūnerāre, “to give, bestow.”
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- After completing the project ahead of schedule, the company was quick to remunerate the team for their hard work.
- As a token of appreciation, the organization will remunerate all volunteers for their dedication and commitment.
adjective
constituting a beginning; giving origin to something derived or developed; original.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1350–1400.
- Comes via Middle English from the Late Latin word prīmōrdiālis, meaning "of the beginning."
- Prīmōrdiālis contains prīm(us), "first," and ōrd(īrī), "to begin."
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- Legends speak of primordial gods who shaped the world in its early days.
- The artist's painting captured the essence of a primordial forest, untouched by human hands.
