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.
a blinker or turn signal on a vehicle
Trafficator is a term for a turn signal on a vehicle. Originally used in British English, it harks back to a time when cars had little arms that popped out to indicate a turn. Who knew turn signals could be so interesting?
to denounce, condemn, or prohibit something
Proscribe means "to denounce or prohibit something," especially by law. It was first recorded in Middle English, where it referred to announcing the name of a condemned person. Talk about a reputation ruiner!
gray or pearl-gray
Griseous is a fancy way of saying something is gray. This word comes from Latin and adds a poetic touch to any description of art, weather, or fashion.
a fog formed from very small ice crystals
Pogonip is fog made of tiny ice particles, usually found in the western U.S. It's borrowed from a Shoshone word meaning "thundercloud." It may sound cute, but don't let this frosty phenomenon catch you without proper winter gear!
of or relating to parrots
A bright addition to your bird vocabulary, psittacine relates to parrots. You probably won't hear this word around town because it's mostly used in scientific and veterinary circles. Then again, don't be surprised if a particularly clever parrot repeats psittacine back to you!
