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 : 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 : 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 : 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 : 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