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.
an unexpected repercussion
An afterclap is the surprise consequence that pops up just when you think the matter is finished. Early chronicles apply it to storms, quarrels, and disputes that seemed finished but resumed unexpectedly. It never hurts to stay vigilant, because an afterclap thrives on surprise.
not capable of being taken away, denied, or transferred
Unalienable describes things that cannot be taken away, denied, or transferred. Thomas Jefferson memorably used the term in the Declaration of Independence to claim a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Take a moment today to celebrate these unalienable rights!
to cleanse or purify
To mundify means "to cleanse or purify," wiping away every speck of grime. Medieval physicians swore by mundifying salves and ointments to draw infection from wounds long before antibiotics existed. Whether you're soothing a scrape or refreshing your soul, mundify what's troubling you and let purity reign!
a bird in Arabian mythology of enormous size and strength
A roc is a colossal, mythical bird of prey said to swoop across the sky and pluck elephants from the ground. Tales of the roc made their way from medieval Arabian and Persian lore into the story collection One Thousand and One Nights and even Marco Polo's travel notes. If you thought dragons sounded like fearsome creatures, imagine a roc grabbing one in its talons and carrying it away!
papery
Chartaceous means "papery in texture" — think leaves, petals, or pages that feel light and crisp. Botanists often use the word to describe leaves or grasses with smooth, flat, or thin surfaces. The next time a dried flower petal falls apart when you pick it up, just call it charmingly chartaceous and carry on!
