English Language

Clavicle (noun) clav-i-kl Technical name for a collarbone. Early 17th century: from Latin clavicula ‘small…

Equivocal (adj) ee-kwiv-o-kal Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous. Mid 16th century: from late…

Bivouac (noun) biv-wak A temporary camp without tents or cover, used especially by soldiers or…

Lurid (adj) loo-rid Unpleasantly bright in colour, especially so as to create a harsh or…

Abstruse (adj) ab-stroos Difficult to understand; obscure. Late 16th century: from Latin abstrusus ‘put away,…

Vituperative (adj) vit-oop-er-at-iv Bitter and abusive. mid-15c., but rare before early 19c., from Latin vituperationem…

Trifurcate (verb) tri-fur-kayt Divide into three branches or forks. Mid 19th century: from Latin trifurcus…

Integer (noun) in-te-jer A number which is not a fraction; a whole number. A thing…

Levity (noun) lev-i-tee The treatment of a serious matter with humour or lack of due…