M-W Word of the Day @[email protected]

Class: adjective | Syllables: TAK-tul

Definition: Tactile describes something related to the sense of touch. It can also be used to describe something that is tangible, that is, perceptible by touch.

Example(s):
// With the introduction of haptics to smartphones, receiving a call from a friend became a much more tactile experience.

Class: noun | Syllables: luh-KOO-nuh

Definition: Lacuna is a formal word that refers to a gap or blank space in something—in other words, a missing part. When used with respect to biology, lacuna also refers to a small cavity, pit, or discontinuity in an anatomical structure.

Example(s):
// The absence of hemlock pollen from one stretch of the fossil record is a notable lacuna that suggests the tree may have once suffered from some type of blight that nearly wiped out the species.
// An osteocyte is a cell that is isolated in a lacuna of bone.

Class: phrase | Syllables: air-un-guh-BRAW

Definition: Erin go bragh is an Irish phrase that means “Ireland forever.”

Example(s):
// The crowd proudly shouted “Erin go bragh” in celebration of their Irish heritage.

Class: adjective | Syllables: HET-uh-ruh-dahks

Definition: A synonym of both unorthodox and unconventional, heterodox describes something, such an idea or belief, that is contrary to or different from an acknowledged standard, a traditional form, or an established religion. Heterodox can also describe a person or group that holds unorthodox opinions or doctrines.

Example(s):
// The columnist’s heterodox opinions on everything from dietary trends to the tax code made her a frequent lightning rod for criticism by the newspaper’s more old-fashioned readership.

Class: noun | Syllables: NAY-deer

Definition: Nadir refers to the lowest or worst point of something. When used in astronomy, nadir describes the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the zenith and vertically downward from the observer.

Example(s):
// Only once the novel's protagonist reaches her nadir does she arouse the reader's empathy, and we root for her to climb back to respectability.

Class: verb | Syllables: GAL-uh-vant

Definition: Gallivant means “to go or travel to many different places for pleasure.”

Example(s):
// She spent her gap year gallivanting around Europe with her best friend.

Class: noun | Syllables: uh-pah-thee-OH-sis

Definition: Apotheosis means "the perfect form or example of something" or "the highest or best part of something." It can also mean "elevation to divine status; deification."

Example(s):
// Some consider (however ironically) french fries to be the apotheosis of U.S. cuisine.
// Their music reached its creative apotheosis in the late aughts, which is also when they won two Grammys.

Class: verb | Syllables: dih-VULJ

Definition: To divulge something, especially secret or private information, is to make it known.

Example(s):
// Rather than divulge our list of potential names to friends and family before our baby’s due date, we prefer our eventual choice to be a surprise.

Class: adjective | Syllables: SKROO-pyuh-lus

Definition: Scrupulous means “very careful about doing something correctly.” It can also mean “careful about doing what is honest and morally right.”

Example(s):
// She was always very scrupulous about her work, paying attention to every little detail.
// Less scrupulous companies find ways to evade the law.

Class: noun | Syllables: fak-TOH-tum

Definition: A factotum is a person who has many diverse activities or responsibilities, and especially one whose work involves a wide variety of tasks.

Example(s):
// After graduating from college, Natalia worked for several years as an office factotum.

Class: verb | Syllables: in-GRAY-shee-ayt

Definition: Ingratiate means “to gain favor or acceptance by deliberate effort.” It is usually used with with, and is often (though not always) used disapprovingly.

Example(s):
// Scam artists often have an uncanny ability to ingratiate themselves with their victims using subtle flattery that only seems obvious in retrospect.
// Although she was nervous to be the new girl in school, Emma quickly ingratiated herself with her classmates through her effortless charm and kind demeanor.

Class: plural noun | Syllables: kuh-HOOTS

Definition: Cahoots is an informal word that is usually used in the phrase “in cahoots” to describe a partnership or alliance for making or implementing secret plans.

Example(s):
// Though five years apart in age, the two siblings are often in cahoots when it comes to making mischief.

Class: adjective | Syllables: LAW-duh-bul

Definition: Laudable means "worthy of praise," and is a synonym of commendable.

Example(s):
// Thanks to the laudable efforts of dozens of volunteers, the town's Winter Carnival was an enjoyable event for everyone.

Class: verb | Syllables: VIN-duh-kayt

Definition: Vindicate means “to show that someone is not guilty.” It can also mean “to show that someone or something that has been criticized or doubted is correct, true, or reasonable.”

Example(s):
// In light of the new evidence, we believe that our client will be completely vindicated.
// Recent volcanic activity on Jupiter's moon Io vindicates astronomers' theories about the geologic makeup of that celestial body.

Class: noun | Syllables: rep-er-TEE

Definition: Repartee can refer to either “a conversation in which clever statements and replies are made quickly” or a single “quick and witty reply.” It can also refer to one’s cleverness and wit in conversation, as in “an aunt widely known for her repartee at family gatherings.”

Example(s):
// The twins’ repartee at the back of the class always cracked up their classmates, though their teacher was rarely amused.

Class: adjective | Syllables: PRAHK-suh-mut

Definition: Proximate is a formal word that is usually used to describe something that comes or happens immediately before or after something in a way that shows a very close and direct relationship. It can also mean "very near" or "happening soon."

Example(s):
// The proximate cause of the student protests was the firing of a popular professor, but there had been murmurings of unrest all year.
// Being physically proximate to such an iconic work of art was surprisingly moving.

Class: verb | Syllables: ak-SEN-shu-wayt

Definition: Accentuate means “to make something more noticeable.”

Example(s):
// He likes to wear clothes that accentuate his muscular build.

Class: noun | Syllables: uh-NAK-ruh-niz-um

Definition: An anachronism is an error in which something in a movie, story, etc., is placed in a time where it does not belong. Anachronism can also refer to a person or a thing that seems to belong to the past and to not fit in the present.

Example(s):
// A number of the film's critics complained about the multiple anachronisms in the historical drama.
// He's an old-fashioned politician who is seen by many of his colleagues as an anachronism.

Class: noun | Syllables: KAHN-truh-tahn

Definition: The word contretemps refers to an inconvenient or embarrassing occurrence or situation. It can also refer to a dispute or argument.

Example(s):
// Jacqueline found herself in the middle of an embarrassing contretemps when her client suddenly changed his story and, ignoring her advice, spoke to reporters.
// There was a bit of a contretemps over the seating arrangements during wedding planning.

Class: adjective | Syllables: LEER-ih-kul

Definition: Something described as lyrical has an artistically beautiful or expressive quality, often one that is reminiscent of song.

Example(s):
// The most time-honored political speeches in the nation’s history, regardless of subject, all tend to share an elegant, lyrical quality that makes them memorable across the ages.