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
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.
noun
a self-seeking, servile flatterer.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1530–40.
- Comes ultimately from Greek sȳkophántēs, “informer.”
- Sȳkophántēs comes from sŷko, meaning “fig,” and the stem of phaínein, meaning “to show.”
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- She saw through the sycophant's deceptive flattery and remained wary of his ulterior motives.
- The playwright created a character who was an exaggerated representation of a sycophant, using satire to mock those who seek favor through insincere flattery.
noun
a figure of speech that produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes from the Late Latin word oxymorum.
- Oxymorum is from the presumed but unrecorded Greek neuter of oxýmōros, meaning “sharp-dull.”
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- The song's title, "Bittersweet Symphony," perfectly captures the essence of an oxymoron by evoking both positive and negative emotions.
- The comedian's act was filled with witty oxymorons that left the audience laughing and scratching their heads at the same time.
adjective
(of a word) containing many syllables.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes from the Latin word sesquipedālis, meaning “measuring a foot and a half.”
- The first part, sesqui-, means "one and a half," and pedal, means "of the feet," which also forms pedestrian, pedicure, and pedal, as in "a foot-operated lever."
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- The poet's use of sesquipedalian words in their verses added an air of sophistication to their work.
- A love of language and her sesquipedalian speech made her a captivating public speaker.
noun
a short nap, usually 15–30 minutes, taken immediately after drinking a cup of coffee, the claimed benefit being that the energizing effect of caffeine may be bolstered by a sleeping body’s drop in adenosine levels.
Explanation
- First recorded in 2010–15.
- Added to Dictionary.com on September 5, 2023.
- Read about other new words added this month!
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- As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee engulfed the room, she eagerly anticipated a rejuvenating coffee nap to combat her afternoon slump.
- Feeling drowsy, he gulped down a strong espresso shot, hoping it would kick in before his scheduled coffee nap.
