Word of the Day
More about scintilla
In Latin, scintilla means “spark.” Because Latin c often corresponds to English h, scintilla may be related to English sheer and shine, though scintilla may also be connected to Latin scindere “to split,” the source of rescind and scissors. Scintilla was first recorded in English circa 1680.
EXAMPLE OF SCINTILLA USED IN A SENTENCE
After a thorough cleaning, only a scintilla of a splotch remained of the massive wine stain on the couch.
macédoine
noun
a mixture of fruits or vegetables, often served as a salad.
More about macédoine
Macédoine is the French name of Macedonia, known today as North Macedonia, a country in southeastern Europe that borders Greece. An unconfirmed explanation for the definition of macédoine is a nod to Macedonia’s historical ethnic diversity. Macedonia is related to makednós, “tall,” in reference to human height or the region’s highlands. Macédoine was first recorded in English in the 1810s.
EXAMPLE OF MACÉDOINE USED IN A SENTENCE
The macédoine of citrus and melon proved to be a popular appetizer at the potluck.
amethyst
noun
a purple or violet quartz, used as a gem.
More about amethyst
Amethyst comes by way of Latin from Ancient Greek améthystos, literally meaning “not intoxicating.” Perhaps because of amethyst’s winelike hue, a common belief in the ancient Mediterranean was that the stone prevented drunkenness. The ultimate origin, méthy, “wine,” is distantly related to English mead, a liquor made from fermented honey. Amethyst was first recorded in English in the late 13th century.
EXAMPLE OF AMETHYST USED IN A SENTENCE
The deep purple amethyst in her necklace contrasted with her white dress.