Word of the Day
ginkgo
noun
a large shade tree native to China, having fan-shaped leaves and fleshy seeds with edible kernels.
More about ginkgo
Ginkgo is a misspelling of Japanese ginkyō, with German physician Engelbert Kaempfer responsible for the original error in the early 1690s. The gin- element means “silver” and is related to Mandarin yín, while the kyō part means “apricot” and is cognate to Mandarin xìng. Gingko was first recorded in English in the early 1770s.
EXAMPLE OF GINKGO USED IN A SENTENCE
The immense ginkgo cast an even larger shadow over the park’s grounds.
More about ferdutzt
Ferdutzt is from Pennsylvania Dutch, similar to the recent Word of the Day ferhoodle, and comes from German verdutzt, “bewildered, nonplussed.” Verdutzt is the past participle of the verb verdutzen, “to confuse, bewilder,” in which -dutz- may be related to English dote. Ferdutzt was first recorded in English in the early 1980s.
EXAMPLE OF FERDUTZT USED IN A SENTENCE
The mechanic was ferdutzt and surprised that the new car had broken down so soon after its purchase.
xerophyte
noun
a plant adapted for growth under dry conditions.
Why the Museum of Science chose xerophyte
To find out, watch this video from science communicator Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D.
Learn more at the Museum of Science.
More about xerophyte
Xerophyte is formed from xero-, meaning “dry,” and -phyte, meaning “plant.” Xero- comes from Ancient Greek xērós, the root of the Word of the Day xeriscaping, and -phyte comes from Ancient Greek phytón, the source of the Word of the Day neophyte. Xerophyte was first recorded in English at the end of the 19th century.
EXAMPLE OF XEROPHYTE USED IN A SENTENCE
Cacti, aloe plants, and other xerophytes grew throughout the arid scrubland.
