Word of the Day

Rapprochement (noun) rap-rosh-mon (especially in international affairs) an establishment or resumption of harmonious relations. French,…

Succubus (noun) suk-u-bus A female demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men. Late…

Ignominy (noun) ig-nom-in-ee Public shame or disgrace. Mid 16th century: from French ignominie or Latin…

Outjie (noun) (S. African) o-kee A young boy Afrikaans, from ou ‘old’ + the diminutive…

Tarantella (noun) ta-ran-tel-a A rapid whirling dance originating in southern Italy. Late 18th century: Italian,…

Mho (noun) mo The reciprocal of an ohm, a former unit of electrical conductance. Late…

Schism (noun) sk-iz-m A split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by…

Protology (noun) prot-ol-oj-ee The study or science of origins. Early 17th century (in an earlier…

Parapet (noun) par-a-pet A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or…

Pediculosis (noun) ped-ik-oo-low-sis Infestation with lice. Early 19th century: from Latin pediculus ‘louse’ + -osis.…