Word of the Day

Operose is an adjective that means displaying much effort.  The Latin word opus (OH poose) means ‘work,’ since the mid-18th century, our word of the day has been used to describe someone hard at work. Here’s an example of operose in use: Kevin could be pretty operose at the factory, but personally, I never felt he showed much industry when it mattered most — at the company’s annual softball tournament. 

Buccula is a noun that refers to a fold of flesh known as a double chin.  Our word of the day comes directly from the Latin word for ‘little cheek.’ For centuries it’s been used to describe an extra fold of skin under someone’s face. Here’s an example: I could tell I had gained a little weight when I looked up to see I had a double chin. Some people may find buccula attractive, but it’s never been a look I’ve cultivated.

Figmental is an adjective that means imaginary.  The Latin word fignare (feeg NARE ay) means ’to form’ or ‘contrive.’ By the late Middle English period, the word ‘figment’ came to mean something formed through our imagination. Our word of the day is the adjective form of the word. Here’s an example of it in use: As a kid, I had a number of figmental conversations with people who weren’t actually there. I understood they were imaginary, but I was just having too much fun to let reality get in my way. 

Brachiate is a verb that means to swing from branches like a monkey.  Our word of the day comes from the Latin word brachium (BRA key oom) meaning ‘arm.’ Since the mid-18th century, its variant, brachiate has been used to describe anyone — or anything — using their arms to swing through branches. I never understood most of the exercises we did in gym class. For example, why did they have us brachiate through the monkey bars? Unless we were training for a spot in the local zoo, it seemed pretty pointless.

Corniche is a noun that refers to a road running along the coast.  Our word of the day comes directly from French. Since the mid 19th century it’s been used to describe a road along the edge of a cliff or the coast. Here’s an example: Taking the corniche to San Francisco may be a little more time-consuming, but the view makes it worth it. Whoever decided to put a road along the coast gets my vote for the state Governor. 

Caesura is a noun that refers to an interruption or break.  The Latin word caedere (ky DARE ay) means ‘to cut.’ Since the mid-16th century, our word of the day has been used by English speakers to refer to something that cuts someone off. Example: After about an hour of a really tedious meeting, we were mercifully given a caesura. This much-needed break was a helpful way to let us rest up and prepare for three more boring hours. 

Lowery is an adjective that means gloomy or sullen.  The origin of our word of the day is unknown. But we know it’s the adjective form of the verb lower, meaning to look angry or sullen. Here’s an example: That lowery look on my son’s face can be explained by tonight’s dinner. He really hates spinach. 

Balefire is a noun that refers to a large, open-air fire.  Our word of the day combines two words ‘bale’ and ‘fire’ that have an origin in Old English. A balefire is a large fire often used for ceremonial purposes. Here’s an example of balefire in use: The village gathered around the balefire gave me chills. It was a joy to see everyone participating in such a lovely ritual. 

Inextricable is an adjective that means impossible to disentangle. The Latin word extricare (ex truh CAR ay) means ‘to unravel’ or ‘disentangle.’ If something is inextricable, it can’t be unravelled. Our word of the day has been impossible to disentangle from English since the mid-16th century. Here’s an example of it in use: I know it’s weird for me to wear those lucky tennis shoes fifteen years after wearing them to win a medal at the track meet. But for me, they are inextricable from that big victory. I just can’t separate them from the joy I felt picking up that gold.

Oppugnant is an adjective that means opposing or antagonistic. Having been around since the early 16th century, our word of the day comes from the Latin verb oppugnare (oh pug NAR ay) which means ‘to oppose.’ oppugnant can be used in nearly any context where someone or something opposes us.  The oppugnant students may not have liked my idea of implementing a school uniform, but I felt we needed some discipline in that place. Not many people agreed with me. The opposing forces would win that debate.