Word of the Day

Batik (noun) ba-teek A method (originally used in Java) of producing coloured designs on textiles…

Prophylactic (adj) prof-il-ak-tik Intended to prevent disease. Late 16th century: from French prophylactique, from Greek…

Toponymy (noun) top-on-im-ee The study of place names Late 19th century: from Greek topos ‘place’ +…

Transient (adj) tran-zee-ent Lasting only for a short time; impermanent. Late 16th century: from Latin…

Groggy (adj) grog-ee Dazed, weak, or unsteady, especially from illness, intoxication, sleep, or a blow.…

Postulate (verb) post-yu-layt Suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a…

Chattel (noun) chat-l A personal possession Middle English: from Old French chatel, from medieval Latin…

Puckish (adj) puk-ish Playful in a mischievous way. after the mischievous fairy in English folklore who…

Congruent (adj) kon-groo-ent In agreement or harmony. Late Middle English: from Latin congruent- ‘agreeing, meeting…

Astrometry (noun) as-trom-et-ree The measurement of the positions, motions, and magnitudes of stars. (more…)