Word of the Day
anadem
[ an-uh-dem ]
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noun
a wreath or garland of flowers worn on the head
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Why Dictionary.com chose anadem
More about anadem
- First recorded in 1595鈥�1605.
- From Greek 补苍谩诲脓尘补, meaning “a band to tie up the hair.”
EXAMPLES OF ANADEM
- Instead of a veil, the bride decided to wear an anadem of jasmine and baby’s breath.
- The class made anadems to wear during the traditional Greek choruses.
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Why Dictionary.com chose amaranthine
More about amaranthine
- First recorded in 1660鈥�70, referring to a specific flower.
- Combines amaranth, from Greek 补尘谩谤补苍迟辞蝉, meaning “unfading” and the name of flower, + -颈苍别鹿.
EXAMPLES OF AMARANTHINE
- Decades later, the artist’s work still held an amaranthine allure.
- The castle’s stained glass glowed with amaranthine color, having lasted through centuries of sun and storm.
usurp
[ yoo-surp ]
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verb
to seize and hold (a position or power) by force
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Why Dictionary.com chose usurp
More about usurp
- First recorded between 1275鈥�1325.
- From the Latin verb 奴蝉奴谤辫腻谤别, meaning “to take possession in order to use.”
- Combines two Latin elements: 奴迟墨, related to the word use, + rapere, meaning “to seize;” related to rapture.
EXAMPLES OF USURP
- The king feared that his closest advisor would usurp his throne.
- The vice president of the HOA tried to usurp the president’s authority by calling a secret meeting.
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