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Word of the day

multiverse

[ muhl-ti-vurs ] [ ˈmʌl tɪˌvɜrs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a collection of linked fictional settings composed of multiple alternate dimensions, different timelines, etc.

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Why Dictionary.com chose multiverse

More about multiverse

  • Multiverse was coined by William James in 1895 in the sense of “the universe imagined as lacking order, unity, or a single ruling and guiding power.”
  • It comes from the prefix multi-, meaning “many; multiple,” and the second part of universe, “the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos.”
  • Universe comes via French from a form of the Latin word ūniversus, which means “all; entire.”
  • Multiverse in the sense featured here came about in science fiction writing in the early 1960s.

EXAMPLES OF MULTIVERSE

  • The concept of a multiverse challenges our traditional understanding of reality, suggesting that there may be countless parallel universes coexisting alongside our own.
  • As the art exhibition showcased various artworks depicting alternate worlds and fantastical beings, visitors were transported into the imaginative realms of the multiverse.
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Word of the day

traipse

[ treyps ] [ treɪps ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to walk or go aimlessly or idly or without finding or reaching one's goal.

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Why Dictionary.com chose traipse

More about traipse

  • Traipse was first recorded in 1585–95.
  • Traipse was once spelled trapse and may be similar to an old verb trape.
  • It is possible that traipse is related to tramp, “to walk heavily; to stamp.”
  • Traipse can also be a noun, defined as “a tiring walk.”

EXAMPLES OF TRAIPSE

  • After getting lost in the city, we had to traipse through countless streets before finally finding our way back to the hotel.
  • Rather than following a strict itinerary, they preferred to traipse through the narrow alleys of the old town, discovering hidden gems along the way.
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Word of the day

incunabula

[ in-kyoo-nab-yuh-luh ] [ ˌɪn kyʊˈnæb yə lə ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

plural noun

the earliest stages or first traces of anything.

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Why Dictionary.com chose incunabula

More about incunabula

  • Incunabula was first recorded in 1815–25.
  • Incunabula comes from Latin and means variously “the straps holding a baby in a cradle,” “earliest home,” or “birthplace.”
  • Incunabula also refers to “books produced in the earliest stages (before 1501) of printing from movable type.”
  • In that sense, incunabula has the singular form incunabulum.

EXAMPLES OF INCUNABULA

  • The discovery of crude stone tools marked the incunabula of human civilization.
  • The faded photographs from the 1800s are cherished incunabula of our family history.
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