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Word of the Day

Word of the day

arcane

[ ahr-keyn ] [ ɑrˈkeɪn ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

known or understood by very few; mysterious; secret; obscure.

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Why Dictionary.com chose arcane

More about arcane

  • Arcane was first recorded in 1540–50
  • Arcane comes via Middle French from the Latin word arcānus, derived from arc(ēre) “to enclose, restrain, ward off.”
  • Arc(ēre), in turn, is a derivative of arca, meaning “box, chest, coffer.”

EXAMPLES OF ARCANE

  • The ancient temple contained a hidden chamber where the monks practiced their arcane rituals.
  • The ancient scroll revealed an arcane language that had long been forgotten.
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Word of the day

pumpernickel

[ puhm-per-nik-uhl ] [ ˈpʌm pərˌnɪk əl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a coarse, dark, slightly sour bread made of unbolted rye.

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Why Dictionary.com chose pumpernickel

More about pumpernickel

  • Pumpernickel was first recorded in 1750–60.
  • Pumpernickel comes from the German word Pumpernickel, originally a contemptuous name for anyone considered disagreeable.
  • Pumpernickel in German contains the word pumper “to break wind” and Nickel, a pet name of Nikolaus “Nicholas.”
  • This name was presumably applied to the bread due to its effect on the digestive system.

EXAMPLES OF PUMPERNICKEL

  • The bakery offers a wide variety of bread, including a delicious pumpernickel loaf with its distinctive dark color and tangy flavor.
  • The aroma of freshly baked pumpernickel filled the air, tempting passersby to step inside and indulge in a warm slice.
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Word of the day

shower orange

[ shou-er awr-inj ] [ ˈʃaʊ ər ˌɔr- ɪndʒ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an orange that is peeled and eaten under a steamy shower, the purported benefit being that the steam enhances the orange’s citrusy fragrance and creates a soothing experience for the person who is showering.

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Why Dictionary.com chose shower orange

More about shower orange

  • Shower orange was first recorded in 2015–20.
  • Shower orange, the phenomenon and the name for it, were popularized by a viral social media trend.
  • Similar practices, including shower beer and shower wine, and their terms are gaining popularity.
  • Shower is an Old English word first recorded before 950, while orange is slightly newer to English, coming from Old French around the 14th century.

EXAMPLES OF SHOWER ORANGE

  • I indulged in a refreshing shower orange this morning, savoring the citrusy aroma and the relaxing sensation of the warm water.
  • Enjoying a steamy shower orange is not only a delicious way to satisfy your cravings but also a self-care ritual that offers an invigorating and calming experience for both mind and body.
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