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Word of the day

natto

[ not-oh ] [ ˈnɒt oʊ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a dish of fermented cooked soybeans, often eaten for breakfast over white rice or with toppings such as soy sauce and mustard.

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Why Dictionary.com chose natto

More about natto

  • First recorded in 1870–75.
  • Comes from Japanese, from na(t)- and , “bean.”
  • Na(t) is ultimately from Middle Chinese, a cognate with Mandarin , “to bring into, receive.”

EXAMPLES OF NATTO

  • For a traditional Japanese breakfast, many people enjoy a serving of natto over steamed white rice.
  • Natto is known for its sticky texture, which is a result of the fermentation process.
20240103
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Word of the day

ad nauseam

[ ad naw-zee-uhm ] [ æd ˈnɔ zi əm ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adverb

to a sickening or disgusting degree.

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Why Dictionary.com chose ad nauseam

More about ad nauseam

  • First recorded around 1565.
  • Comes from Latin.
  • Means literally, “to seasickness.”

EXAMPLES OF AD NAUSEAM

  • The catchy commercial jingle played on the tv ad nauseam, getting stuck in everyone’s head.
  • The company’s logo was plastered ad nauseam on every surface in the city.
20240103
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Word of the day

spondulicks

[ spon-doo-liks ] [ spɒnˈdu lɪks ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

money; cash.

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Why Dictionary.com chose spondulicks

More about spondulicks

  • An Americanism dating back to 1855–60.
  • Of uncertain origin.
  • Sometimes spelled spondulix.

EXAMPLES OF SPONDULICKS

  • The young entrepreneur was determined to turn her innovative idea into spondulicks for her growing business.
  • In the old Western movies, bandits would often demand a hefty sum of spondulicks in exchange for hostages.
20240103
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