Language

Obelisk (noun) ob-el-isk A tapering stone pillar, typically having a square or rectangular cross section,…

Counterpane (noun) cow-n-tuh-payn A dated word for a bedspread, falling out of usage fast! Early…

Rugose (adj) ru-goe-s Wrinkled; corrugated. Late Middle English: from Latin rugosus, from ruga ‘wrinkle’. (more…)

Coruscate (verb) kor-us-kayt (of light) to flash or sparkle. Early 18th century: from Latin coruscat-…

Afflatus (noun) a-flay-tus A divine creative impulse or inspiration. Mid 17th century: from Latin, from…

Resipiscence (noun) resi-pisns Originally: repentance for misconduct; recognition of one's past misdeeds or errors. Later…

Tergiversate (verb) tur-jiv-urs-ayt Make conflicting or evasive statements; equivocate. Mid 17th century: from Latin tergiversat-…

Manque (adj) mon-kay Having failed to become what one might have been. Late 18th century:…

Bewail (verb) bee-way-l Express great regret, sadness, or disappointment about (something)   (more…)