Word of the Day
spindrift
[ spin-drift ]
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noun
spray swept up by wind along the surface of the sea
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Why Dictionary.com chose spindrift
More about spindrift
- First recorded in 1590鈥�1600.
- Possibly a variant form of spoondrift, which combines spume, meaning “froth,” + drift, meaning “something driven (by the wind).”
EXAMPLES OF SPINDRIFT
- Each wave sent a cloud of spindrift up.
- Spindrift sprayed onto their coats as they walked along the shore.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
decorticate
[ dee-kawr-ti-keyt ]
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verb
to remove the bark, husk, or outer covering from
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Why Dictionary.com chose decorticate
More about decorticate
- First recorded in 1605鈥�15.
- Combines 诲别-鈦� + the Latin root cortex, meaning “bark, shell, or outer covering” + -补迟别鹿.
EXAMPLES OF DECORTICATE
- The botany students learned how to decorticate a tree without damaging layers below the bark.
- The farmer bought a machine that quickly decorticates cottonseed.
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Why Dictionary.com chose tempestuous
More about tempestuous
- First recorded in 1500鈥�10.
- From the Latin tempestuosus, meaning “stormy;” combines the Latin root tempestas, meaning “period of time; weather,” + -ous.
EXAMPLES OF TEMPESTUOUS
- The novel’s plot revolves around the tempestuous relationship between an artist and his muse.
- The university experienced a tempestuous season of faculty protests and disputes.
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