Word of the Day

Word of the day

It's Dictionary Week! Read on to learn more!

proceleusmatic

[ pros-uh-loos-mat-ik ] [ ˌprɒs ə lusˈmæt ɪk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

inciting, animating, or inspiring.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose proceleusmatic

We're celebrating Dictionary Week, and today is Word Inspiration Day. Join the fun!

What is the origin of proceleusmatic?

Proceleusmatic comes from Ancient Greek prokeleusmatikós, the name of a unit of rhythm. The keleusma- part means “summons,” comes from keleúein, “to rouse to action, command,” and is the source of Spanish saloma, a rhythmic work song. Proceleusmatic was first recorded in English at the turn of the 18th century.

EXAMPLE OF PROCELEUSMATIC USED IN A SENTENCE

The proceleusmatic song motivated the rowers to push hard and in unison during their long practice.

quiz icon
WHAT'S YOUR WORD IQ?
Think you're a word wizard? Try our word quiz, and prove it!
TAKE THE QUIZ
arrows pointing up and down
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
SEE TODAY'S SYNONYM
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

It's Dictionary Week! Read on to learn more!

quidnunc

[ kwid-nuhngk ] [ ˈkwɪdˌnʌŋk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a person who is eager to know the latest news and gossip.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose quidnunc

We're celebrating Dictionary Week, and today is Word Curiosity Day. Join the fun!

What is the origin of quidnunc?

In Latin, quidnunc means “what now?” English wh- often corresponds to Latin qu-, which is how English what, who, and when are related to their Latin translations quid, quis, and quandō. Nunc is one of two Latin words for “now.” Quidnunc was first recorded in English at the turn of the 18th century.

EXAMPLE OF QUIDNUNC USED IN A SENTENCE

The quidnuncs spent hours on their phones each day as they checked all the media outlets for updates.

Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

It's Dictionary Week! Read on to learn more!

ferhoodle

[ fer-hood-l ] [ fərˈhud l ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to confuse or mix up.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose ferhoodle

We're celebrating Dictionary Week, and today is Word Pain Day. Join the fun!

What is the origin of ferhoodle?

Ferhoodle is adapted from verhuddle, “to tangle, confuse,” in Pennsylvania Dutch, a dialect of German. This means that verhuddle is closely related to German verhudeln, “to bungle, make a mess of,” in which the ver- element is related to the for- in English forgive and forget. Ferhoodle was first recorded in English in the mid-1950s.

EXAMPLE OF FERHOODLE USED IN A SENTENCE

The alternating days of searing heat and chilling cold ferhoodled everyone’s gardening plans.

Word of the Day Calendar

Get A Vocabulary Boost In Your Inbox

Get the Word of the Day in your inbox every day!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Word of the Day Calendar