Word of the Day
abraxas
noun
a word of unknown significance found on charms, especially amulets, of the late Greco-Roman world
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Why Dictionary.com chose abraxas
More about abraxas
- First recorded in 1710–20.
- Borrowed directly from the French abraxas, for an amulet inscribed with the word.
- From the Post-classical Latin Abraxas, ruler of the 365 heavens. Its letters in Greek add up to 365 — representing the full cycle of time and linking Abraxas as a ruler over all aspects of creation and the cosmic order.
EXAMPLES OF ABRAXAS
- Ancient magicians and healers often incorporated the word abraxas into their spells and rituals to invoke supernatural forces.
- Scholars have long debated the meaning of abraxas, which appears frequently on charms and talismans from the Greco-Roman period.
disabuse
verb
to free (a person) from deception or error
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Why Dictionary.com chose disabuse
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EXAMPLES OF DISABUSE
- I had to disabuse my friend of the idea that traveling alone is always dangerous, sharing my own positive experiences.
- The coach disabused the team of the notion that success comes without hard work and dedication.
yarmulke
noun
a skullcap worn by people of the Jewish faith
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Why Dictionary.com chose yarmulke
More about yarmulke
- First recorded in 1845–50.
- From the Yiddish yarmolke; possibly from the post-classical Latin almucia or almutia, meaning “hood, cape.”
EXAMPLES OF YARMULKE
- At the bar mitzvah, all the male guests were given a yarmulke to wear during the ceremony.
- During the wedding, the groom wore a white yarmulke that matched his suit.
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