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amanuensis

[ uh-man-yoo-en-sis ] [ əˌmæn yuˈɛn sɪs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another

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Why Dictionary.com chose amanuensis

More about amanuensis

  • First recorded between 1610–20.
  • From the Latin servus, (servant) + a, (from) + manu, (hand). Cf. manumit and manuscript.

EXAMPLES OF AMANUENSIS

  • As an amanuensis, I was responsible for transcribing the professor’s lectures and organizing notes.
  • During the meeting, the amanuensis took detailed minutes that were later shared with all attendees.
20240103
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Word of the day

fractious

[ frak-shuhs ] [ ˈfræk ʃəs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

unruly; unwilling to comply

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Why Dictionary.com chose fractious

More about fractious

  • First recorded in 1715–25.
  • Formed from fracti(on), “disposed to quarrel, brawl” + -ous, a suffix forming adjectives that have the general sense “possessing, full of ” a given quality.

EXAMPLES OF FRACTIOUS

  • Managing the fractious committee members was exhausting, as they disagreed on almost every issue.
  • Their fractious behavior at meetings often lead to heated arguments and disruptions.
20240103
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Word of the day

folderol

[ fol-duh-rol ] [ ˈfɒl dəˌrɒl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

mere nonsense; foolish talk or ideas

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Why Dictionary.com chose folderol

More about folderol

  • First recorded in 1695–1705.
  • Originally referred to a nonsense refrain in songs; of obscure origin.

EXAMPLES OF FOLDEROL

  • The article was filled with folderol, lacking any serious research or evidence.
  • The politician’s speech was criticized as folderol, offering plenty of charm but no real policy.
20240103
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