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 overcome with surprise and bewilderment; astound.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1765–75.
- A variant of flabagast, which may be a combination of flabb(y), "hanging loosely or limply" or flap, "a blow given with something broad and flat," and aghast, "struck with overwhelming shock."
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- The magician's disappearing act never failed to flabbergast the audience.
- The unexpected news about the new mayor flabbergasted the community.
adjective
full of twists, turns, or bends; twisting, winding, or crooked.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1350–1400.
- Comes via Middle English from the Latin word tortuōsus, which derives from the verb torquēre, “to twist, bend.”
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- The tortuous road through the mountains made for a challenging but scenic drive.
- The author's writing style was known for its elegant prose and tortuous plot twists.
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.
