English Language

Cumber (verb) kum-ber (dated) Hamper or hinder. Middle English (in the sense ‘overthrow, destroy’): probably…

Diacritic (noun) dai-a-krit-ik A sign, such as an accent or cedilla, which when written above…

Scry (verb) s-krai Foretell the future using a crystal ball or other reflective object or…

Xeric (adj) zee-rik (ecology) (of an environment or habitat) containing little moisture; very dry. 1920s…

Margay (noun) ma-gay A small South American wild cat with large eyes and a yellowish…

Astarboard (adverb) a-staa-bord To, towards, or on the starboard side of a vessel (or occasionally…

Frivolity (noun) fri-vol-i-tee Lack of seriousness; light-heartedness. (more…)

Tragedienne ( noun) traj-ed-ee-en An actress who specializes in tragic roles. Mid 19th century from…

Magnolious (adj) mag-no-lee-us (informal) (dated) Very good; magnificent. Mid 19th century formed humorously from magnolia…

Femineity (noun) (archaic) fem-in-ay-it-ee The quality of being feminine. Early 19th century from Latin femineus…