Word of the Day
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Why Dictionary.com chose haku
More about haku
- First recorded in 1835–40.
- Comes from Hawaiian and means literally, “to arrange, put in order, compose, braid.”
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EXAMPLES OF HAKU
- The hula dancer gracefully moved across the stage, her haku swaying with each step.
- As a symbol of celebration and honor, he presented a fragrant haku to the guest of honor.
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Why Dictionary.com chose jouissance
More about jouissance
- First recorded in English in 1480–90.
- Comes from Old French, equivalent to jouiss-, stem of jouir “to enjoy.”
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EXAMPLES OF JOUISSANCE
- The novel’s rich descriptions and poetic language offered readers moments of jouissance as they immersed themselves in its captivating narrative.
- The ballet performance was a masterpiece of grace and passion, eliciting feelings of jouissance in all who had the privilege to witness it.
smorgasbord
noun
an extensive array or variety.
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Why Dictionary.com chose smorgasbord
More about smorgasbord
- First recorded in 1875–80.
- Comes from the Swedish word smörgåsbord.
- Smörgåsbord is formed from smörgås, “(slice of) bread and butter, sandwich,” from smör, “butter” (related to smear, “to rub with fat”) and gås, “goose, lump of fat or butter,” and bord, “table” (as in board, “a table”).
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EXAMPLES OF SMORGASBORD
- The music festival offered a smorgasbord of musical genres, appealing to all kinds of music lovers.
- She was impressed by the smorgasbord of colors available in the paint aisle at the local hardware store.
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