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Word of the day

brume

[ broom ] [ brum ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

mist; fog

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Why Dictionary.com chose brume

More about brume

  • First used in English between 1800–10.
  • From the French for “fog” and Old French for “wintertime,” brume comes from the Latin bruma meaning “winter” and “winter solstice.” It’s a contraction of the word brevissima with the root brevis, “short,” referring to the winter solstice as the shortest day of the year. Also see breve.

EXAMPLES OF BRUME

  • She loved the way the brume settled over the fields, creating a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere.
  • The lighthouse’s beam cut through the brume, guiding ships safely to shore.
20240103
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Word of the day

credo

[ kree-doh ] [ ˈkri doʊ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a system of principles or beliefs

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Why Dictionary.com chose credo

More about credo

  • First used between 1150–1200.
  • From Latin literally meaning “I believe.” Cf. credible.
  • The first word of the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds in Latin: “Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae…”

EXAMPLES OF CREDO

  • The company’s credo, “customer first,” guides every decision they make.
  • She lived by the credo that hard work and perseverance would lead to success.
20240103
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Word of the day

zonked

[ zongkt ] [ zɒŋkt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

exhausted or asleep

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Why Dictionary.com chose zonked

More about zonked

  • An Americanism dating back to 1955–60; see zonk + -ed2.

EXAMPLES OF ZONKED

  • The kids were zonked after the long day at the amusement park, barely making it to their beds.
  • I felt utterly zonked after staying up all night studying for final exams.
20240103
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