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 juxtaposition of words that have a common root
A paregmenon is a phrase that repeats words from the same root, like “move and movement.” This rhetorical trick comes from Greek. Play with words, but don't overdo the paregmenon — or it'll sound silly and silliest!
to alleviate or mitigate
To allay is to to alleviate or mitigate something, from Old English roots meaning "to lighten." Whether it's fears, doubts, or a spicy meal gone wrong, a little relief can go a long way!
a type of clover, used as a symbol of Ireland
A shamrock is a clover that's been a symbol of Ireland for centuries. That's why you're likely to see shamrocks on Saint Patrick's Day. This little plant may just bring a bit of luck to your day!
pertaining to division into hundredths
Centesimal refers to division into the hundredths, often used in contexts like measurements or percentages. Rooted in Latin, this word emphasizes precision in small increments, and is a key term in fields ranging from finance to science. Next time you need to express a fraction of 100, reach for this centesimal term!
away from the wind
Alee is a nautical term that originated in the 1300s and means "away from the wind." Alee reminds us that sometimes, the best course is the one with fewer waves. Hope it's smooth sailing from here on out!
