Word of the Day
seismic
adjective
pertaining to or caused by an earthquake or vibration of the earth
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Why Dictionary.com chose seismic
More about seismic
- First recorded in 1855–60. Formed from seism + -ic.
- Often in figurative use relating to a person or thing that has great impact or influence, as an earthquake does.
EXAMPLES OF SEISMIC
- Scientists installed new equipment to monitor seismic activity along the fault line.
- The fall of the regime brought about seismic shifts in the country’s political landscape.
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Why Dictionary.com chose cobbler
More about cobbler
- First recorded in the 13th century.
- Apparently the word comes from two Middle English sources: cobelere, “one who mends shoes,” and cobeler, “wooden bowl or dish.” The latter is thought to be related to the fruit pie as well as the beverage containing alcohol, ice, and slices of fruit.
EXAMPLES OF COBBLER
- My favorite boots had a broken heel, so I took them to the cobbler to get them repaired.
- The cobbler in town has been fixing shoes for over thirty years and is known for his exceptional craftsmanship.
zephyrean
adjective
full of or containing light breezes
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Why Dictionary.com chose zephyrean
More about zephyrean
- First recorded in 1830–40.
- Formed from zephyr, “the west wind” + -ean, an element used to form adjectives from nouns ending in -ea.
- In ancient Greek mythology, Zephyrus was the god as well as the personification of the westerly wind, considered to be the most gentle and pleasant of the four winds. Cf. with favonian, “or or relating to the west wind” from the Latin Favonius, the ancient Roman personification of the west wind.
EXAMPLES OF ZEPHYREAN
- The picnic was perfect, with a zephyrean breeze gently rustling the leaves overhead.
- The zephyrean whispers of the wind made the tall grass sway like ocean waves.
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