Word of the Day
redondilla
noun
a Spanish verse form in which each stanza consists of four lines, each with eight syllables, and a rhyme scheme abba
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Why Dictionary.com chose redondilla
More about redondilla
- First used in 1830–40.
- Directly from Spanish, equivalent to redond(o), “round” (<Latin rotundus) + –illa, diminutive suffix.
EXAMPLES OF REDONDILLA
- The poet skillfully composed a redondilla, adhering to its ABBA rhyme scheme.
- The collection featured several redondillas, showcasing the versatility and expressiveness of this poetic form.
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Why Dictionary.com chose heliolatry
More about heliolatry
- First recorded in 1820–30.
- Formed from helio-, “sun” + -latry, a combing form occurring in loanwords from Greek (cf. idolatry).
EXAMPLES OF HELIOLATRY
- The ancient Egyptians practiced heliolatry, honoring the sun god Ra as a deity of great power.
- The Inca practiced heliolatry by venerating Inti, the sun god, as the source of life and fertility.
glabrous
adjective
having a surface devoid of hair; smooth
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Why Dictionary.com chose glabrous
More about glabrous
- First used between 1630–40.
- From Latin glaber, meaning “smooth, hairless” + -ous, suffix forming adjectives.
EXAMPLES OF GLABROUS
- The glabrous leaves of Japanese camellias are smooth to the touch.
- Some people have naturally glabrous skin, free of hair or blemishes.
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