Word of the Day
More about skrik
Skrik is a borrowing from Afrikaans, a South African language descended from Dutch, and comes from Dutch schrik, meaning “fright.” While schrik is not related to English shriek, some linguists believe that it may share an origin with English shear or German schreien, “to shout, yell.” Skrik was first recorded in English in the late 1880s.
EXAMPLE OF SKRIK USED IN A SENTENCE
The bobcat’s screeching gave people living nearby quite a skrik.
première danseuse
noun
the leading female dancer in a ballet company.
More about première danseuse
In French, première danseuse means “first dancer,” and the male equivalent is premier danseur. Danseuse comes from the verb danser, “to dance,” of unclear origin. Première ultimately derives from Latin prīmārius, “of the first rank,” from prīmus, “first.” Première danseuse was first recorded in English in the 1820s.
EXAMPLE OF PREMIÈRE DANSEUSE USED IN A SENTENCE
The première danseuse played the dual roles of Odette and Odile in the production of Swan Lake.
chelonian
adjective
belonging or pertaining to a reptilian order comprising turtles, tortoises, and terrapins.
More about chelonian
Chelonian comes from Ancient Greek chelṓnē, meaning “turtle, tortoise.” Chelṓnē could have connections with Slavic words for “turtle” or other Ancient Greek words, or it could come from an extinct ancient Mediterranean language. Chelṓnē is not related to Spanish galápago, “tortoise.” Chelonian was first recorded in English in the 1820s.
EXAMPLE OF CHELONIAN USED IN A SENTENCE
A bale of several chelonian critters scurried about in the water, every so often poking their heads out of their shells.