Word of the Day
spancel
[ span-suhl ]
Show IPA
noun
a rope used to prevent an animal from straying
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose spancel
More about spancel
- Recorded in 1600鈥�10.
- From the low German spannen, “to stretch.” See 蝉辫补苍虏.
EXAMPLES OF SPANCEL聽
- The farmer secured the cow with a spancel to keep it from wandering into the neighbor’s field.
- In the pastures, the spancel allowed the animals to graze without running off.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose canoodle
More about canoodle
- Recorded in 1855鈥�60; perhaps formed by combining caress + noodle虏.
- Meaning “political manipulation” in earlier uses via Southern U.S. newspapers.
EXAMPLES OF CANOODLE
- The happy couple canoodled in the coffee shop despite glances from other customers about their public show of affection.
- I saw them canoodling聽on the park bench, wrapped in each other’s embrace.
incandescent
[ in-kuhn-des-uhnt ]
Show IPA
adjective
intensely bright; brilliant
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose incandescent
More about incandescent
- First recorded in 1785鈥�95, combining the prefix聽颈苍-鹿 +听candescent, meaning “glowing.”
- Borrowed directly from French and ultimately from the Latin incandescere, meaning “to become warm, glow.”
EXAMPLES OF INCANDESCENT聽
- The bride admired the incandescent sparkle of her diamond ring in the sunlight.
- The incandescent flames of the campfire flickered in the night as the campers roasted marshmallows.
Word of the Day Calendar