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Word of the day

elevenses

[ ih-lev-uhn-ziz ] [ ɪˈlɛv ən zɪz ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a midmorning break for refreshments

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Why Dictionary.com chose elevenses

More about elevenses

  • First recorded in 1840–65 and chiefly in British English usage.
  • Originally a dialect of elevens, meaning “an eleven-o’clock meal.”
  • Doubly pluralized form of eleven, perhaps as ellipsis of eleven hours (eleven o’clock).

EXAMPLES OF ELEVENSES

  • During elevenses, the hikers rested and refueled with some fruit and nuts before continuing their trek.
  • Every day, she looks forward to elevenses, a brief respite from her busy schedule.
20240103
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Word of the day

marmoreal

[ mahr-mawr-ee-uhl ] [ mɑrˈmɔr i əl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

characteristic of or like marble

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Why Dictionary.com chose marmoreal

More about marmoreal

  • First recorded between 1790–1800.
  • From Latin marmore(us), “made of marble,” (see marble, -eous) + -al1.

EXAMPLES OF MARMOREAL

  • The ancient ruins included a marmoreal floor, still shining brightly despite the passage of centuries.
  • Your complexion is so smooth and pale that it looks marmoreal under the soft lighting.
20240103
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Word of the day

hermitage

[ hur-mi-tij ] [ ˈhɜr mɪ tɪdʒ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

any secluded place of residence or habitation; retreat; hideaway

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Why Dictionary.com chose hermitage

More about hermitage

  • First recorded between 1250–1300.
  • The sense of “any secluded place of residence” first came into usage during the 1640s.
  • From the same spelling as Old French; from Medieval Latin hermitorium, “a hermit’s dwelling place.”
  • See hermit, eremite, -age.

EXAMPLES OF HERMITAGE

  • After years in the public eye, the artist found peace in a hermitage deep in the forest.
  • My hermitage — a small cabin surrounded by trees — was the perfect place for writing a novel.
20240103
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