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.
verb
to talk incessantly; chatter.
Explanation
- Natter can also mean "a conversation or a chat."
- Natter was first recorded in 1820–30.
- It's most likely a variant of an earlier word gnatter from a Northern England dialect.
- She was soothed by her friends nattering away in the background.
- The old couple would often sit outside and natter on about the weather or their grandchildren.
a child of one’s sibling.
Explanation
- Nibling was coined by U.S. linguist Samuel E. Martin in 1951.
- It was formed by replacing the s in sibling with the n from niece and nephew.
- Nibling is especially used in the plural or as a gender-neutral term.
- My niblings are coming to visit us next week, and we are taking them to a water park.
- During the family reunion, I enjoyed playing with my nibling and teaching them some new jokes.
verb
to charm or divert.
Explanation
- Beguile can also mean "to mislead through trickery or flattery."
- Beguile contains the word guile, which can mean "cleverness," "craftiness," or "deceptiveness."
- It was first recorded in English in 1175–1225.
- The magician's ability to beguile the audience with her illusions was impressive.
- He used his charming personality to beguile his way into the exclusive party.
adjective
lacking definite form; having no specific shape.
Explanation
- Amorphous was first recorded in 1725–35.
- Amorphous is from the Greek word meaning "shapeless."
- Amorphous has figurative uses but is also used more literally in mineralogy, chemistry, and biology.
- The amorphous cloud of happiness lingered above us, spreading a joyous mood throughout the room.
- The amorphous mass of clay was hard to mold into a recognizable shape, frustrating the artist's efforts.
noun
the medical term for fainting.
Explanation
- Syncope comes from the Greek word meaning "cutting short."
- Syncope entered English between 1350 and 1400.
- Healthcare professionals often use specialized terms like syncope to standardize medical care and communication.
- The paramedics were called after the fan experienced syncope during the concert.
- The patient's frequent episodes of syncope prompted the doctor to recommend further evaluation.
