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Word of the day

heliolatry

[ hee-lee-ol-uh-tree ] [ ˌhi liˈɒl ə tri ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

worship of the sun

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Why Dictionary.com chose heliolatry

More about heliolatry

  • First recorded in 1820–30.
  • Formed from helio-, “sun” + -latry, a combing form occurring in loanwords from Greek (cf. idolatry).

EXAMPLES  OF HELIOLATRY

  • The ancient Egyptians practiced heliolatry, honoring the sun god Ra as a deity of great power.
  • The Inca practiced heliolatry by venerating Inti, the sun god, as the source of life and fertility.
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Word of the day

glabrous

[ gley-bruhs ] [ ˈgleɪ brəs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

having a surface devoid of hair; smooth

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Why Dictionary.com chose glabrous

More about glabrous

  • First used between 1630–40.
  • From Latin glaber, meaning “smooth, hairless” + -ous, suffix forming adjectives.

EXAMPLES OF GLABROUS

  • The glabrous leaves of Japanese camellias are smooth to the touch.
  • Some people have naturally glabrous skin, free of hair or blemishes.

 

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Word of the day

e pluribus unum

[ e ploo-ri-boos oo-noom ] [ ɛ ˈplu rɪˌbʊs ˈu nʊm ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

Latin phrase

out of many, one

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Why Dictionary.com chose e pluribus unum

More about e pluribus unum

  • First used in English as a slogan in the 1700s.
  • Adopted as the U.S. motto in 1782.
  • Directly from Latin: e, “out of” + plus, “more” + unus, “one.”

EXAMPLES OF E PLURIBUS UNUM

  • The phrase E pluribus unum appears on the Great Seal of the United States, symbolizing unity.
  • In the spirit of E pluribus unum, people from all backgrounds came together to celebrate Independence Day.
20240103
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