Word of the Day
Word of the day
quipu
noun
an ancient Peruvian device used for recording events and accounts
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose quipu
More about quipu
- First recorded in 1695–1705.
- Borrowed from the Spanish quipu and the Quechua khipu, meaning “knot.”
EXAMPLES OF QUIPU
- The Inca used the quipu, a system of knotted cords, to record agricultural data and census information.
- Experts believe that quipus may have also been used for storytelling, though much of their meaning remains a mystery.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose olid
More about olid
- First recorded in the late 1600s.
- From the classical Latin olidus, meaning “having an offensive smell.”
EXAMPLES OF OLID
- The olid stench from the trash dump made it difficult to breathe.
- As soon as we opened the old refrigerator, an olid wave of spoiled food hit our noses.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose mettlesome
More about mettlesome
- First recorded in 1655–65; combining mettle + -some1.
- Was used interchangeably with the spelling variant metalsome from the 1660s until the early 18th century.
EXAMPLES OF METTLESOME
- The mettlesome team fought until the last second of the football game.
- The CEO’s mettlesome attitude made her a natural leader in times of crisis.
Word of the Day Calendar