doctoral candidate in rhetoric and scientific and technical communication
word of the day
alfresco
06 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
adjective or adverb ~ taking place or located in the open air: outdoor, outdoors
The restaurant has a lovely outdoor patio for customers who want to dine alfresco on warm spring evenings.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing
facsimile
06 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
noun ~ *1. an exact copy; 2. a system of transmitting and reproducing graphic matter by means of signals sent over telephone lines
*To enter the sweepstakes, we could fill out the entry form itself or a facsimile of it.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing
parol
06 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
noun ~ oral communication
Mrs. Bridesworth and her tenant had an agreement by parol for the monthly rent but no written lease.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing
mahatma
07 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
noun ~ 1. a person to be revered for high-mindedness, wisdom, and selflessness; *2. a person of great prestige in a field of endeavor
*Film directors regard Alfred Hitchcock as the mahatma of the suspense thriller and still often borrow his filming techniques.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing
asperity
07 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
noun ~ 1. roughness; *2. harshness of manner or of temper
*”I gave at the office,” Roger said with asperity when asked to contribute to the auction.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing
emulate
07 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
verb ~ to strive to equal or excel: imitate
Younger brothers and sisters will often try to emulate the behavior of their older siblings.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing
impetuous
07 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
adjective ~ *1. marked by impulsive vehemence or passion; 2. marked by force and violence of movement or action
*A well-meaning but impetuous young man, Nathan tends to rush into action in the heat of the moment without thinking things through.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing
welter
07 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
verb ~ *1. to writhe, toss; also: wallow; 2. to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved; 3. to be in turmoil
*The nightmare caused Brooke to welter about in her bed before suddenly bolting awake.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing
cap-a-pie
07 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
adverb ~ from head to foot
Katie’s maid of honor, dressed cap-a-pie in purple satin, hurried up the walkway toward the church.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing
redolent
07 years ago
by dawn
in word of the day
adjective ~ *1. having a specified fragrance; 2. reminiscent, suggestive
*Dad’s kitchen was always redolent of baking bread and interesting spices.
Merriam-Webster’s 365 New Words Calendar, www.pageaday.com, Workman Publishing