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tardigrade

[ tahr-di-greyd ] [ ˈtɑr dɪˌgreɪd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

slow in pace or movement

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Why Dictionary.com chose tardigrade

More about tardigrade

  • First recorded in 1615–25, combining tardy-grade2.
  • From the Latin tardigradus, meaning “walking slowly.”

EXAMPLES OF TARDIGRADE

  • The manager’s tardigrade approach to decision-making often left others impatient.
  • The tardigrade recovery of the patient concerned the doctors, as they expected quicker progress.
20240103
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SYNONYM OF THE DAY
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Word of the day

coagulate

[ koh-ag-yuh-leyt ] [ koʊˈæg yəˌleɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to change from a fluid into a thickened mass; curdle; congeal

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Why Dictionary.com chose coagulate

More about coagulate

  • First recorded between 1350–1400, combining coagulum-ate 1.
  • From Old French; directly from the Latin coagulare, “to cause to curdle.”

EXAMPLES OF COAGULATE

  • The chef heated the eggs gently, ensuring they wouldn’t coagulate too quickly.
  • As the blood began to coagulate, the wound stopped bleeding.
20240103
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Word of the day

quipu

[ kee-poo ] [ ˈki pu ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an ancient Peruvian device used for recording events and accounts

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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.
20240103
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