Word of the Day
equilibrist
noun
a performer who is skilled at balancing in unusual positions and hazardous movements, as a tightrope walker in a circus.
More about equilibrist
Equilibrist comes by way of French from Latin aequilībrium, “equilibrium,” which is formed from aequus, “equal,” and lībra, “balance.” Though aequus is of unknown origin, lībra may be distantly related to English liter. Equilibrist was first recorded in English in the 1750s.
EXAMPLE OF EQUILIBRIST USED IN A SENTENCE
The equilibrists performed cartwheels on the narrow beam suspended in the air.
a vuestra salud
interjection
to your health.
More about a vuestra salud
A vuestra salud is from Spanish, consisting of a, “to”; vuestra, “your”; and salud, “health.” These three words come from Latin, all unchanged in meaning; a comes from Latin ad, vuestra comes from vester, and salud comes from salūs (as in salute). A vuestra salud was first recorded in English in the early 1850s.
EXAMPLE OF A VUESTRA SALUD USED IN A SENTENCE
The dinner guests clinked their glasses together and proclaimed “A vuestra salud” as they began to drink.
sternutation
noun
the act of sneezing.
Why the Museum of Science chose sternutation
To find out, watch this video from science communicator Alex Dainis, PhD.
Learn more at the Museum of Science.
More about sternutation
Sternutation is based on the Latin verb sternūtāre, “to sneeze repeatedly,” from sternuere, “to sneeze.” Though the ultimate origin of sternuere is uncertain, linguists have noted its resemblance to Ancient Greek ptárnysthai, “to sneeze,” as evidence of a deeper connection between the two words. Sternutation was first recorded in English around 1540.
EXAMPLE OF STERNUTATION USED IN A SENTENCE
“Gesundheit!” exclaimed the nurse as a fit of sternutation overcame his patient.
