Word of the Day
maelstrom
noun
a restless, disordered, or tumultuous state of affairs
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Why Dictionary.com chose maelstrom
More about maelstrom
- First used in English between 1550–60.
- From old Dutch mal(en), “to grind” + stroom, “stream.” See meal2, stream.
- The sense of “powerful whirlpool” has been in use since the 1580s. The figurative meaning, obtained from the sense that the whirlpool would suck in ships and create chaos and turbulence, is attested since the 1830s.
EXAMPLES OF MAELSTROM
- The country was caught in a political maelstrom, with protests erupting in every major city.
- The sudden economic downturn created a financial maelstrom that affected businesses worldwide.
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Why Dictionary.com chose splendiferous
More about splendiferous
- First recorded between 1425–75.
- Late Middle English from Late Latin splendōrifer, “brightness-bearing,” see splendor, -fer, -ous.
EXAMPLES OF SPLENDIFEROUS
- The holiday decorations around the city were splendiferous, creating a magical and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.
- The chef prepared a splendiferous feast, with every dish more delicious and beautifully presented than the last.
clepsydra
noun
an ancient device for measuring time by the regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture
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Why Dictionary.com chose clepsydra
More about clepsydra
- First used in English between 1640–50.
- Latinized form of the Greek klepsýdra, from kléptein, “to steal, conceal” + hydra, “water.” Cf. kleptomania and kleptocracy.
EXAMPLES OF CLEPSYDRA
- The clepsydra’s steady drip of water provided a reliable method for tracking time in ancient civilizations.
- The ancient Greeks employed a clepsydra to time speeches during their legislative assemblies.
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