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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.
glabrous
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.
e pluribus unum
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.
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