Word of the Day
defenestrate
verb
to throw a thing out of a window.
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Why Dictionary.com chose defenestrate
More about defenestrate
- First recorded in 1900–05.
- A back formation from defenestration, “the act of throwing a thing out of a window.”
- Formed from the Latin word fenestr(a), meaning “window.”
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EXAMPLES OF DEFENESTRATE
- During the heated argument, he threatened to defenestrate his laptop.
- The mischievous cat managed to defenestrate several objects from the second-floor apartment.
tourtière
noun
a pastry-covered pie containing minced pork or other chopped meat and various chopped vegetables.
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Why Dictionary.com chose tourtière
More about tourtière
- Entered English around 1950–55.
- The word comes from Canadian French, translating as “a plate for tarts.”
- Tourte means “tart” and –ière is used for words that “facilitate the use of” something as in, a boutonniere, which is a flower that is worn in a buttonhole.
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EXAMPLES OF TOURTIÈRE
- For their holiday celebration, the family prepared a traditional tourtière using a recipe passed down through generations.
- The aroma of the tourtière cooking in the oven filled the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the guests.
octothorpe
[ ok-tuh-thawrp ]
Show IPA
noun
the official name for the # symbol.
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Why Dictionary.com chose octothorpe
More about octothorpe
- First recorded in 1970–75.
- From octo-, after the eight endpoints on the perimeter of the symbol, plus a second element of disputed origin.
- Used for numerous purposes, such as before a hashtag, for representing “pound” or “pounds” as a unit of weight or mass, for representing “number” or “numbered,” or as a proofreader’s symbol used to indicate the need to insert space.
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EXAMPLES OF OCTOTHORPE
- The password must include at least one octothorpe for added security.
- The code requires an octothorpe to denote a section break.
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