Word of the Day

Dux is a noun that refers to the top pupil in school.  Our word of the day comes directly from Latin where it can be used to describe a leader. Since the mid 18th century, dux has been used mainly in a scholastic context to describe the highest ranking student. Example: I was the dux of our fifth-grade geography class. When it came to knowing the state capitals, I was truly the champ.

Mizzle is a noun that refers to a light rain.  The Middle English word ‘misun’ (MEE sun) was used to describe a light mist of rain. Centuries later, our word of the day can be used in a similar way. Here’s an example of mizzle in use: A downpour of rain can make things difficult for my morning jog, but a mizzle can feel great. Not only does it not interfere with my running, but that light mist of water feels cool against my skin. 

Quaternary is an adjective that means fourth in order or rank.  The Latin word ‘quattuor’ (KWAT too or) denotes the number ‘four.’ Just as we use the words ‘primary,’ ‘secondary’ and ‘tertiary’ to describe things that are first, second and third in rank or order, our word of the day refers to something fourth in order. Here’s an example: I wasn’t the fastest runner on our high school track team, but I take some pride in being the quaternary-ranked runner in the one-hundred-meter dash. Unfortunately, there’s no medal handed out for fourth place. 

Equilibrist is a noun that describes a person skilled at balancing. It can be used as a synonym for ‘acrobat,’ or ‘tightrope walker.’ The Latin word aequi (EY kwee) means ‘equal’ or ‘balanced.’ It has given English speakers such words as ‘equality’ and ‘equilibrium,’ a word that refers to, among other things,’ a state of physical balance. You can think of an equilibrist as someone remarkably skilled at keeping their balance — especially at dangerous heights. Here’s an example of equilibrist in use: I often thought of pursuing a career as an equilibrist. I always could keep my balance even several stories up. Unfortunately, you hardly ever see the phrase ‘tightrope walker wanted’ in the want ads.

Tensile is an adjective that means capable of being drawn out or stretched.  Our word of the day has its origin in the Latin word tendere (ten DARE ay) which means ‘to stretch.’ Since the 17th century it’s been used by English speakers to describe things that can be lengthened or elongated. Here’s an example: The stiff, immovable pole we tried to use on the construction site simply didn’t get the job done. We needed something tensile to reach the space above us. 

Slumberous is an adjective that means sleepy.  Coming from Middle English, our word of the day is the adjective version of slumber, a synonym for sleep. Here’s an example of slumberous in use: After two hours of boring lectures, I was so slumberous I could barely drive home that night. 

The podcast explores the word of the day, Lambent, which means flickering with a soft radiance. It derives from the Latin word for licking and describes a gentle flickering radiance. An example sentence is provided, and the spelling and definition of Lambent are reiterated.

Frore is an adjective that means frozen or frosty.  Coming directly from Middle English, our word of the day has been with us since the 14th century.  The frore fields of western Michigan are where I learned to play football. There’s no better place to develop speed because when it’s cold outside, you want to get inside very quickly. 

Opsimath is a noun that refers to a person who begins to learn or study late in life.  The Greek word opsi (OPP see) meaning ‘late’ and math (MATH) meaning ‘learn’ give us a word for those who learn late. Our word of the day has been with us since the late 19th century.  My son is planning on becoming an opsimath. He figures that if he doesn’t graduate from high school until his thirties, he can be recognized as a late bloomer. 

Surcease is a noun that refers to relief or consolation.  The Latin word cessare (say SAR ay) means ‘stop.’ From this word came the word ‘cease’ and others like it, including our word of the day. Here’s an example: On the car ride, from New Orleans, Phil annoyed us without surcease. By the time we got home, it was great to finally get some relief.