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Word of the day

mythopoeic

[ mith-uh-pee-ik ] [ ˌmɪθ əˈpi ɪk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

of or relating to the making of myths

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Why Dictionary.com chose mythopoeic

More about mythopoeic

  • First recorded in 1840–50.
  • From Greek ̄ٳDZǾó; combines mytho-, meaning “story, myth, or rumor,” + the Greek root Ǿî, meaning “to create or make.”
  • The second element of this word, -poeic, is related to poet, which comes from Greek Ǿŧḗs, meaning “creator, maker.”

EXAMPLES OF MYTHOPOEIC

  • His poetry had a mythopoeic quality, stitching together new legends from everyday life.
  • Critics praised the game’s mythopoeic world-building as groundbreaking and immersive.
20240103
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Word of the day

coalesce

[ koh-uh-les ] [ ˌkoʊ əˈlɛs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to unite to form one group or community

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Why Dictionary.com chose coalesce

More about coalesce

  • First recorded in 1535–45.
  • From the Latin Dzŧ; combines -⁷ + the Latin root alere, meaning “to nourish, make grow,” + -esce, which indicates the state of beginning or becoming.

EXAMPLES OF COALESCE

  • Protesters began to coalesce around a shared set of demands.
  • Several neighborhood associations decided to coalesce into a single tenant union.
20240103
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Word of the day

zarf

[ zahrf ] [ zɑrf ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a handleless, ornamental holder for a coffee cup

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Why Dictionary.com chose zarf

More about zarf

  • First recorded in 1830–40.
  • From the Arabic word ẓa, meaning “vessel or container.”

EXAMPLES OF ZARF

  • The waiter brought out steaming espresso in a silver zarf.
  • She spotted the dusty copper zarf in the antique shop and made an impulse buy.
20240103
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