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Word of the day

canoodle

[ kuh-nood-l ] [ kəˈnud l ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to caress or pet amorously

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Why Dictionary.com chose canoodle

More about canoodle

  • Recorded in 1855–60; perhaps formed by combining caress + noodle².
  • Meaning “political manipulation” in earlier uses via Southern U.S. newspapers.

EXAMPLES OF CANOODLE

  • The happy couple canoodled in the coffee shop despite glances from other customers about their public show of affection.
  • I saw them canoodling on the park bench, wrapped in each other’s embrace.
20240103
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Word of the day

incandescent

[ in-kuhn-des-uhnt ] [ ˌɪn kənˈdɛs ənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

intensely bright; brilliant

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Why Dictionary.com chose incandescent

More about incandescent

  • First recorded in 1785–95, combining the prefix in-¹candescent, meaning glowing.
  • Borrowed directly from French and ultimately from the Latin incandescere, meaning to become warm, glow.

EXAMPLES OF INCANDESCENT 

  • The bride admired the incandescent sparkle of her diamond ring in the sunlight.
  • The incandescent flames of the campfire flickered in the night as the campers roasted marshmallows.
20240103
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Word of the day

samhainophobia

[ sou-win-uh-foh-bee-uh ] [ ˌsɑʊ wɪn əˌˈfoʊ bi ə ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an abnormal or extreme fear of Halloween

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Why Dictionary.com chose samhainophobia

More about samhainophobia

  • Named for the ancient Celtic festival samhain, from the Old Irish samain, literally “summer’s end” and combined with phobia, “intense fear.”

EXAMPLES OF SAMHAINOPHOBIA

  • The child’s samhainophobia is so severe that he refuses to leave the house during October, fearing the costumes and decorations.
  • During the Halloween season, many people with samhainophobia may isolate themselves to avoid the holiday’s triggers.
20240103
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Word of the Day Calendar