
Word of the Day – Preeminent
Definition 1 : exhibiting eminence especially in standing above others in some quality or position : prominent 2 : standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted :
Definition 1 : exhibiting eminence especially in standing above others in some quality or position : prominent 2 : standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted :
Definition : a small portion : a limited quantity Did You Know? What does modicum have to do with a toilet? It just so happens that modicum shares the same
Definition 1 : marked by the expression of great or excessive emotion or enthusiasm 2 : characterized or formed by a nonexplosive outpouring of lava Did You Know? We’ve used
Definition : to treat crude or synthetic rubber or similar plastic material with chemicals to give it useful properties (such as elasticity, strength, and stability) Did You Know? Vulcanize might
Definition 1 : of or befitting a menial position 2 : meanly or cravenly submissive : abject Did You Know? Latin served us servile with the help of servilis, itself
Definition : a friendly, harmonious relationship; especially : a relationship characterized by agreement, mutual understanding, or empathy that makes communication possible or easy Did You Know? The word rapport bears
Definition 1 : of, relating to, or being a pedant 2 : narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned 3 : unimaginative, dull Did You Know? In William Shakespeare’s day, a
Definition : imitation, mimicry Did You Know? Mimesis is a term with an undeniably classical pedigree. Originally a Greek word, it has been used in aesthetic or artistic theory to
Definition : payment (such as a tip or bribe) to expedite service Did You Know? British subjects traveling abroad in the 17th century likely picked up baksheesh in Asia, where
Definition 1 : in a violently raging, wild, or uncontrolled manner 2 : in a murderously frenzied state Did You Know? Print evidence of amok in English was first recorded
Definition 1 a : wandering, roundabout b : moving without a fixed course : errant 2 : out-of-the-way, remote 3 a : deviating from a right, accepted, or common course
Definition 1 : pleasurably conforming to notions of good appearance, suitability, or proportion 2 : having a pleasing appearance : not homely or plain Did You Know? Although comely is
Definition 1 : to separate from association or union with another 2 : disunite; specifically : to subject to chemical dissociation 3 : to undergo dissociation 4 : to mutate
Definition : a defense especially of one’s opinions, position, or actions Did You Know? As you might expect, apologia is a close relative of apology. Both words derive from Late
Definition 1 : weak, ineffective 2 : worthless, irresponsible Did You Know? Someone feckless is lacking in feck. And what, you may ask, is feck? In Scots—our source of feckless—feck
Definition 1 a : a musical repetition: (1) : the repetition of the exposition preceding the development (2) : the third section of a sonata form : recapitulation b :
Definition : controversy, debate Did You Know? The Latin phrase lītem contestārī can be translated as “to join issue in a legal suit,” which in layperson’s terms means to reach
Definition 1 a : an exclusive or special right, power, or privilege: such as (1) : one belonging to an office or an official body (2) : one belonging to
Definition 1 : a short intercessory prayer usually in a series 2 : a vote given in deciding a controverted question or electing a person for an office or trust
Definition 1 : a short intercessory prayer usually in a series 2 : a vote given in deciding a controverted question or electing a person for an office or trust
Definition : a green or bluish deposit formed on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces Did You Know? “Green of Greece”—that is the literal translation of vert de Grece, the Anglo-French
Definition 1 a : the right or license granted to an individual or group to market a company’s goods or services in a particular territory; also : a business granted
Definition 1 : a Christmas carol 2 capitalized Christmas : Christmas Did You Know? English speakers borrowed the word noel from French. It can be traced further back to the
Definition : having the power to produce a desired effect Did You Know? Effective, effectual, and efficient are synonyms of efficacious, but each of these words has a slightly different
Definition : to recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness Did You Know? When you convalesce, you heal or grow strong after illness or injury, often by staying
Definition 1 : something that brings disgrace 2 a : public disgrace or ill fame that follows from conduct considered grossly wrong or vicious b : contempt, reproach Did You
Definition : extremely cold : icy Did You Know? Gelid first appeared in English late in the 16th century, coming to our language from Latin gelidus, which ultimately derives from
Definition 1 : to give an omen or warning of : foreshadow 2 : foretell, predict 3 : to make or utter a prediction Did You Know? The verb presage
Definition 1 a : friendly social atmosphere : social harmony b : a loose widespread community based on common social institutions c : the courtesy and friendship of nations marked
Definition 1 : arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause : primary 2 : peculiar to the individual Did You Know? Idiopathic joins the combining form idio- (from