Word of the Day
calcimine
[ kal-suh-mahyn ]
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noun
a white or tinted wash for walls, ceilings, etc.
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Why Dictionary.com chose calcimine
More about calcimine
- First recorded in 1860鈥�65; variant of kalsomine.
- From the Latin calx, meaning “lime or limestone.”
EXAMPLES OF CALCIMINE
- The old farmhouse still had traces of calcimine on its ceilings, giving the rooms a soft, chalky appearance.
- Over time, the calcimine began to peel, revealing plaster underneath.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
saturnine
[ sat-er-nahyn ]
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adjective
sluggish in temperament; gloomy; taciturn
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Why Dictionary.com chose saturnine
More about saturnine
- First recorded between 1400鈥�1450.
- From the Middle English Saturne, meaning literally “born under the influence of the planet Saturn.”
EXAMPLES OF SATURNINE聽
- After hearing the disappointing news, he sat with a saturnine look, his eyes fixed on the floor.
- Her saturnine glance across the room silenced the chatter, leaving everyone wondering what had caused her mood.
edentate
[ ee-den-teyt ]
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adjective
toothless or having only few teeth
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Why Dictionary.com chose edentate
More about edentate
- First recorded in 1820鈥�30.
- From the Latin聽脓诲别苍迟腻谤别, meaning “to knock the teeth out.”
EXAMPLES OF EDENTATE聽
- Certain species of edentate mammals, such as anteaters, have evolved to thrive without teeth.
- Sloths are edentate animals, using tough lips to handle their plant-based diet.
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