Word of the Day
alliaceous
adjective
having the odor or taste of garlic, onion, etc
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Why Dictionary.com chose alliaceous
More about alliaceous
- First recorded in 1785–95.
- Combines the classical Latin allium, meaning “garlic,” + the suffix -aceous.
EXAMPLES OF ALLIACEOUS
- The chef added an alliaceous kick of onion to nearly every dish at her restaurant.
- The alliaceous smell lingered in the kitchen long after the garlic bread had finished cooking.
quid pro quo
noun
something that is given or taken in return for something else
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Why Dictionary.com chose quid pro quo
More about quid pro quo
- First recorded in 1555–65.
- Directly from Latin, meaning literally “what for what, something for something.”
EXAMPLES OF QUID PRO QUO
- During the negotiation, each side wanted a clear quid pro quo before agreeing to any terms.
- The neighbors agreed on a simple quid pro quo during their vacations: she would water his plants, and he would feed her dog.
plebiscite
noun
a direct vote of the qualified voters of a state in regard to some important public question
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Why Dictionary.com chose plebiscite
More about plebiscite
- First recorded in 1525–35.
- Borrowed directly from French and ultimately from the classical Latin plebiscitum, meaning “a decree or resolution of the people.”
EXAMPLES OF PLEBISCITE
- The plebiscite results revealed overwhelming support for preserving the historic site.
- The government held a plebiscite, letting the people decide on future energy sources.
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