Language

Perse (adj) purs of a very deep shade of blue or purple. 1325–75; Middle English…

Corroborate (verb) kor-ob-or-ayt To make certain; confirm. First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin corrōborātus, past…

Torrid (adj) tor-rid Opressively hot, parching or burning, as in climate or air. Torrid “oppressively…

Doughty (adj) daw-tee steadfastly courageous and resolute; valiant. Doughty “steadfastly courageous,” despite spelling and pronunciation,…

Ersatz (adj) er-zats serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial. Ersatz “serving as a substitute” is…

Zesty (adj) zes-tee full of zest; piquant / energetic; active. First recorded in 1925–30; zest…