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.
the state or fact of being the firstborn of children of the same parents
Primogeniture refers to the state of being the firstborn of children of the same parents. The term is built from Latin roots meaning "first" and "birth." It might sound like old-school law, but if you've ever joked about your eldest sibling getting all the perks, you're talking about primogeniture.
sandlike; sandy
If something is arenaceous, it has the texture or quality of sand. This word comes from Latin and shares a root with "arena," once a sandy battleground for gladiators. Whether you're digging your toes in at the beach or feeling sandy soil in a garden, arenaceous describes all things gritty and granular.
the act of talking while or as if alone
A soliloquy refers to the act of speaking as if alone, sharing private thoughts aloud for all to hear. The word blends Latin roots meaning "alone" and "to speak." Whether you're delivering dramatic lines onstage or just talking yourself through the day, a little soliloquy can be surprisingly clarifying!
perhaps; by chance
Haply means "by chance or perhaps," often carrying the nuance of something happening by good fortune or accident. Think of it as a poetic way to talk about fate. The word shares its roots with "happen," echoing the idea that events and luck often travel together. Slip it into conversation to sound charmingly poetic!
lava that has a smooth or billowy surface
Pahoehoe, a word borrowed directly from Hawaiian, is a type of fast-flowing lava that eventually cools into smooth, ropy formations. This earthbound lava is different from the stuff you might see flying through the air when an explosive volcano blows its top. If you're ever in Hawaii, you might get a chance to check out some powerful pahoehoe!
