Word of the Day
firkin
noun
a small wooden vessel or tub for butter, lard, etc.
Why Dictionary.com chose firkin
More about firkin
- First recorded around 1400–50.
- Comes from the late Middle English word ferdkyn or firdekyn.
- This is formed from a variant of ferthe, meaning “fourth,” and the diminutive suffix –kin.
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EXAMPLES OF FIRKIN
- The antique store had a collection of quaint firkins on display, each with its own unique design.
- After the harvest festival, the townspeople gathered around to share stories over slices of bread from a firkin of butter.
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gallimaufry
noun
a hodgepodge; confused medley; jumble.
Why Dictionary.com chose gallimaufry
More about gallimaufry
- First recorded in 1545–55.
- Comes from the Middle French word galimafree, “kind of sauce or stew.”
- Galimafree is probably a conflation of galer, “to amuse oneself.”
- Related to gallant, “brave, spirited, noble-minded, or chivalrous.”
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EXAMPLES OF GALLIMAUFRY
- The artist’s studio was a gallimaufry of colorful paints, brushes, and unfinished canvases.
- Walking through the crowded market, he couldn’t help but notice the gallimaufry of sights, sounds, and smells that surrounded him.
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inveterate
adjective
settled or confirmed in a habit, practice, feeling, or the like.
Why Dictionary.com chose inveterate
More about inveterate
- First recorded in 1375–1425.
- Comes from Latin, from the past participle of inveterāre, “to grow old, allow to grow old, preserve.”
- Inveterāre contains veter-, the stem of vetus, meaning “old,” which is also the stem of the word veteran.
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EXAMPLES OF INVETERATE
- The inveterate procrastinator always left things until the last minute.
- As an inveterate optimist, she always saw the bright side of every situation.
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