Word of the Day
Word of the day
petrichor
noun
a distinctive scent, usually described as earthy, pleasant, or sweet, produced by rainfall on very dry ground.
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Why Dictionary.com chose petrichor
More about petrichor
- First recorded in 1960–65.
- Comes from petro-, a combining form meaning “rock,” and ichor, which in classical mythology means “ethereal fluid flowing in the veins of the gods.”
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EXAMPLES OF PETRICHOR
- The desert landscape was quickly transformed as petrichor filled the air after a long-awaited rainstorm.
- As the storm passed, leaving behind puddles and damp earth, the sweet petrichor lingered like a fond memory.
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axolotl
noun
any of several salamanders that inhabit lakes and ponds of Mexico and remain in the larval stage as sexually mature adults.
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Why Dictionary.com chose axolotl
More about axolotl
- First recorded in English around 1780–90.
- Comes from the Nahuatl word āxōlōtl.
- The word āxōlōtl combines ā(tl), meaning “water” and xōlōtl, which means “page or attendant.”
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EXAMPLES OF AXOLOTL
- Mexican lakes and ponds provide the perfect habitat for the axolotl to thrive in its unique larval form.
- Scientists study the axolotl to better understand regeneration capabilities in amphibians.
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Why Dictionary.com chose poetize
More about poetize
- First recorded in 1575–85.
- Formed from the word poet.
- Poet comes via the Middle English word poete from Greek poiētḗs, which meant, literally, “maker.”
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EXAMPLES OF POETIZE
- As the sun set over the horizon, he felt inspired to poetize his feelings on paper.
- During her travels, she would poetize about the various cultures and landscapes she encountered.
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