Word of the Day
syzygy
noun
an alignment of three celestial objects, as the sun, the earth, and the moon.
Why the Museum of Science chose syzygy
To find out, watch this video about syzygy from science communicator Alex Dainis, PhD.
Learn more at the Museum of Science.
More about syzygy
Syzygy ultimately comes from Ancient Greek syzygía, meaning “union, pair.” Sy- means “together,” as sym- in sympathy and as syn- in sync. Zyg-, meanwhile, is a distant relative of English yoke. Syzygy is not the only English word containing three y’s, but it may be the shortest. Others include hyponymy and mystifyingly. Syzygy was first recorded in English in the 1650s.
EXAMPLE OF SYZYGY USED IN A SENTENCE
The syzygy of the Sun, Earth, and Moon caused a shadow to fall on the lunar surface.
bulwark
noun
any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt.
More about bulwark
Bulwark is likely adapted from Middle Dutch bolwerc, which is also the source of boulevard by way of French. The bul- element in bulwark is related to bole, “tree trunk,” while -wark is related to English work, wrought, and wright. Bulwark was first recorded in English around the turn of the 15th century.
EXAMPLE OF BULWARK USED IN A SENTENCE
The guidance counselor was a bulwark, calming her students’ nerves ahead of the standardized tests.
More about jouissance
Jouissance is a borrowing from Old French based on the verb jouir (stem jouiss-), “to enjoy.” Old French jouir comes from Latin gaudēre, “to be glad,” which is the source of gaudery and gaudy as well as joy and rejoice. Jouissance was first recorded in English in the late 15th century.
EXAMPLE OF JOUISSANCE USED IN A SENTENCE
The children’s jouissance in reading only grew when they entered the library for the first time and saw the endless stacks of books in front of them.