Word of the Day
turbidity
noun
the state or quality of being clouded or opaque, usually because of suspended matter or stirred-up sediment.
Why the Museum of Science chose turbidity
To find out, watch this video from science communicator Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D.
Learn more at the Museum of Science.
More about turbidity
Turbidity comes from Medieval Latin turbiditās, which is based on Latin turbidus, meaning “confused, troubled, murky.” Turbidus comes from turba, “crowd, turmoil,” which is also the source of disturb, trouble, and turbulence. Turbidity was first recorded in English in the 1620s.
EXAMPLE OF TURBIDITY USED IN A SENTENCE
The turbidity of the muddy puddle only increased as a family of geese and goslings waddled through the water.
pasteurize
verb
to expose to an elevated temperature for a period sufficient to destroy certain microorganisms, without radically altering taste or quality.
More about pasteurize
Pasteurize is named for French chemist Louis Pasteur (1822–95), who proved that germs such as bacteria were responsible for disease. The surname Pasteur means “shepherd” in French and comes from Latin pāscere (stem pāst-), “to feed,” which is the source of antipasto, pabulum, and pasture. Pasteurize was first recorded in English in the early 1880s.
EXAMPLE OF PASTEURIZE USED IN A SENTENCE
The beer and wine were pasteurized to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
artiodactyl
adjective
having an even number of toes or digits on each foot.
More about artiodactyl
Artiodactyl is a compound of artio-, meaning “even number,” and -dactyl, meaning “finger, toe.” Artio- comes from Ancient Greek ártios, “even, fitting, perfect,” while -dactyl comes from dáktylos, which also referred to the fruit of the date palm tree. Artiodactyl was first recorded in English in the 1840s.
EXAMPLE OF ARTIODACTYL USED IN A SENTENCE
Among the zoo’s longtime residents were alpacas, giraffes, goats, and various other artiodactyl animals.