Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.


deep learning

[deep lur-ning]

noun

an advanced type of machine learning that uses multilayered neural networks to establish nested hierarchical models for data processing and analysis.

Explanation

  • Deep learning is a subfield of machine learning, in which machines come up with algorithms to solve problems on their own.
  • Deep learning refers to when computers are taught to learn more like humans, by example, and to make decisions.
  • The word deep refers to the multitude of layers that are constructed in the artificial neural networks.
  • Deep learning was first recorded as a term by Rina Dechter in the 1986 conference proceedings of the 5th National Conference on Artificial Intelligence.
EXAMPLES OF DEEP LEARNING
  • The dress company implemented an artificial intelligence technique called deep learning to automate the design process.
  • The ophthalmologist used a machine that applied deep learning to detect early stages of macular degeneration in her patients' eyes.

egregious

[ih-gree-juhs]

adjective

extraordinary in some bad way.

Explanation

  • Egregious was first recorded in 1525-35.
  • Egregious comes from the Latin word ēgregius, which means “preeminent, outstanding.”
  • The greg- element in egregious is the stem of grēx, “flock,” such that egregious literally means "standing out from the flock."
  • Another flock-related word is gregarious, which means "fond of the company of others," or, more literally, "belonging to the flock."
EXAMPLES OF EGREGIOUS
  • The defendant's egregious behavior in the courtroom shocked everyone present.
  • Despite their years of experience, the coach was unable to overlook the players' egregious mistakes.

seersucker

[seer-suhk-er]

noun

traditionally a striped cotton with alternate stripes crinkled in the weaving.

Explanation

  • Seersucker was first recorded in English around 1715-25, after the fabric had begun to be imported to Europe from India.
  • Seersucker comes from the Hindi word sīrsakar, from the Persian phrase shīr o shakar, which literally means "milk and sugar."
  • Seersucker was originally used in workwear but became fashionable for men's suits in the southern United States around the turn of the 20th century.
EXAMPLES OF SEERSUCKER
  • The old rocking chair on the front porch was draped in a faded seersucker cushion, evoking nostalgic memories of lazy afternoons.
  • As the summer heat intensified, he opted for a lightweight seersucker suit that kept him cool and stylish.

zedonk

[zee-dongk]

noun

the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.

Explanation

  • Zedonk was first recorded in 1970-75, and like the animal it refers to, is a combination of zebra and donkey.
  • Zebra comes from the Portuguese word zebra, "wild Iberian ass."
  • Donkey is of uncertain origin, perhaps an alteration of Dunkey, a nickname for Duncan.
  • Donkey could also be a form of dun, “dull, grayish brown.”
EXAMPLES OF ZEDONK
  • The exotic animal farm always had at least three zedonks at one time along with purebred zebras.
  • The child added a zedonk to each of their drawings, as it was one of the few hybrid animals they had seen in real life.

pogonophile

[puh-gon-uh-fahyl]

noun

a person who likes beards.

Explanation

🧔 Pogonophile is a great example of a fun and funny word! 🧔‍♂️ Pogonophile was first recorded in 1960-65 from the French word pogonophile. 🧔‍♀️ Pogonophile combines the Greek word pṓgōn, meaning "beard,” and -phile, meaning "lover of; enthusiast," from Greek -philos, “dear, beloved.” 🧔‍♂️ There are many words that are formed with -phile, including bibliophile, "lover of books," astrophile, "lover of stars," and hippophile, "lover of horses." Visit our Emoji Dictionary for more 🧔!  EXAMPLES OF POGONOPHILE

  • As a pogonophile, she eagerly attended the annual Beard & Mustache Championship to admire the impressive facial hair creations on display.
  • The barbershop owner, himself a self-proclaimed pogonophile, curated a wide range of beard oils and grooming products to cater to his bearded clientele.
FOUR ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS https://www.dictionary.com/e/vocabulary-activities-word-of-the-day/ https://www.dictionary.com/e/high-school-vocabulary-word-lists/ https://www.dictionary.com/e/middle-school-vocabulary-word-lists/ https://www.dictionary.com/e/grade-school-vocabulary-word-lists/