Word of the Day
More about purloin
Purloin comes from Old French porloigner, “to put off, remove.” The por- element comes from Latin prō, “for, in favor of,” while -loigner is ultimately from Latin longus, “long.” Prolong comes from the same sources as purloin, making the two words doublets. Purloin was first recorded in English in the early 14th century.
EXAMPLE OF PURLOIN USED IN A SENTENCE
After halting a man on the street under the pretense of asking directions, the thief purloined the man’s watch.
quaere
verb
ask; inquire (an imperative used to introduce or suggest a question).
More about quaere
Quaere is the command form of the Latin verb quaerere, “to seek, ask,” and therefore demands of someone that they ask a question. In case you wish to demand of multiple people that ask questions, the second-person plural (“you all”) of quaere is quaerite. Quaere is also the source of the English noun query. Quaere was first recorded in English circa 1530.
EXAMPLE OF QUAERE USED IN A SENTENCE
If you are confused about how to use apostrophes, quaere whether you have it right!
gallinipper
noun
any of various insects that sting or bite, especially a large American mosquito.
Why the Museum of Science chose gallinipper
To find out, watch this video about gallinipper from science communicator, Alex Dainis, PhD.
Learn more at the Museum of Science.
More about gallinipper
Gallinipper is a term with an obscure history. The word previously appeared variously as gal-knipper and gurnipper, and the second half of gallinipper looks as it does because of the influence of nipper, “a thing that bites.” Gallinipper was first recorded in English around 1680.
EXAMPLE OF GALLINIPPER USED IN A SENTENCE
A few spritzes of bug spray repelled the swarm of gallinippers that was pursuing the sweaty hikers.
