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.
egg noodles cut in long, flat pieces
Tagliatelle is a a type of pasta cut in long, flat pieces. It's been served since the Renaissance, and Bolognese chefs still insist on strands about eight millimeters across. Just make sure you spend some time mastering its pronunciation before trying to impress an Italian nonna. Buon appetito!
to clear one's throat in a self-important manner
If you harrumph, it means you're "clearing your throat in a self-important way." Likely coined in the early twentieth century to mimic the throaty "hrmph" sound, it quickly became a favorite cue for blustery characters in films and plays. If plans go sideways today, feel free to harrumph, then exit stage left!
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!
