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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.


balneal

[bal-nee-uhl]

adjective

relating to baths or bathing

Explanation

Balneal brings a touch of class to anything bath-related, from luxurious spa rituals to ancient Roman soaks. Though rarely seen outside specialized or historical contexts, the word still shimmers like water in the sun. If you find yourself dreaming of a hot springs vacation, balneal is your ticket to elevated self-care.

Example

The resort's balneal amenities include mineral pools and sea salt baths.

akimbo

[uh-kim-boh]

adjective

with hands on hips and elbows bent outward

Explanation

Akimbo describes a person's stance with hands on hips and elbows bent outward. It's a pose full of attitude and confidence, often signaling readiness, defiance, or playful swagger. From superheroes striking their power poses to someone making a bold statement in a conversation, standing with your arms akimbo instantly commands attention.

Example

She stood backstage with her arms akimbo before her solo.

acedia

[uh-see-dee-uh]

noun

sloth; laziness or indolence

Explanation

Acedia describes lethargy or indolence, tracing back to a Greek term that means "not caring." It originally referred to spiritual apathy, but over time it expanded to cover a general state of laziness. Acedia isn't just ordinary procrastination or burnout — it's existential and reflective.

Example

Acedia often leads to a lack of productivity and spiritual stagnation.

brindled

[brin-dld]

adjective

gray or tawny with darker streaks or spots

Explanation

Brindled refers to a base color — often gray, tawny, or brown — that's overlaid with darker streaks or spots. This pattern is common in dogs, cats, and horses, giving each coat a sense of natural texture. Every brindled animal looks a little different, with a mix of light and dark that creates depth and interest.

Example

The brindled cat blended in with the fallen leaves.

fantasticate

[fan-tas-ti-keyt]

verb

to make or render fantastic

Explanation

To fantasticate is to transform the familiar into something strange, whimsical, or wonderfully imaginative. Emerging from the word "fantastic" itself, it invites you to sprinkle a little wonder or imagination onto the everyday. A dull afternoon? Fantasticate it!

Example

The artist will fantasticate the landscape, making it look like a scene from a dream.