Word of the Day
proceleusmatic
adjective
inciting, animating, or inspiring.
Why Dictionary.com chose proceleusmatic
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More about proceleusmatic
Proceleusmatic comes from Ancient Greek prokeleusmatikós, the name of a unit of rhythm. The keleusma- part means “summons,” comes from keleúein, “to rouse to action, command,” and is the source of Spanish saloma, a rhythmic work song. Proceleusmatic was first recorded in English at the turn of the 18th century.
EXAMPLE OF PROCELEUSMATIC USED IN A SENTENCE
The proceleusmatic song motivated the rowers to push hard and in unison during their long practice.
quidnunc
noun
a person who is eager to know the latest news and gossip.
Why Dictionary.com chose quidnunc
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More about quidnunc
In Latin, quidnunc means “what now?” English wh- often corresponds to Latin qu-, which is how English what, who, and when are related to their Latin translations quid, quis, and quandō. Nunc is one of two Latin words for “now.” Quidnunc was first recorded in English at the turn of the 18th century.
EXAMPLE OF QUIDNUNC USED IN A SENTENCE
The quidnuncs spent hours on their phones each day as they checked all the media outlets for updates.
ferhoodle
verb
to confuse or mix up.
Why Dictionary.com chose ferhoodle
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More about ferhoodle
Ferhoodle is adapted from verhuddle, “to tangle, confuse,” in Pennsylvania Dutch, a dialect of German. This means that verhuddle is closely related to German verhudeln, “to bungle, make a mess of,” in which the ver- element is related to the for- in English forgive and forget. Ferhoodle was first recorded in English in the mid-1950s.
EXAMPLE OF FERHOODLE USED IN A SENTENCE
The alternating days of searing heat and chilling cold ferhoodled everyone’s gardening plans.