Word of the Day
roc
[ rok ]
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noun
a bird in Arabian mythology of enormous size and strength
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Why Dictionary.com chose roc
More about roc
- First recorded in 1570鈥�80.
- From Arabic rukhkh, the name of the mythical bird.
- Sometimes associated with Persian rukh, meaning “castle or 谤辞辞办虏, the castle piece in chess;” however, this is likely a coincidence.
EXAMPLES OF ROC
- According to the story, the roc flew away with an elephant in its talons as easily as a hawk with a mouse.
- A brass plate displayed the image of a roc soaring over stormy waters.
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Why Dictionary.com chose chartaceous
More about chartaceous
- First recorded in 1645鈥�55.
- From Greek 肠丑谩谤迟脓蝉, meaning “papyrus or a sheet of paper,” through Latin.
- Related to 肠丑补谤迟鹿 and 肠补谤诲鹿.
EXAMPLES OF CHARTACEOUS
- The moth’s wings had a chartaceous texture.
- The mycologist flipped the mushroom cap upside down, showing its chartaceous gills.
mugwump
[ muhg-wuhmp ]
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noun
a person who is unable to make up his or her mind on an issue
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Why Dictionary.com chose mugwump
More about mugwump
- First recorded in 1830鈥�35; originally humorously used to mean “an important person.”
- Borrowed from the Massachusett word muggumquomp, meaning “war leader.”
- Used to refer to political party members who refused to support James G. Blaine, a presidential nominee in 1884.
EXAMPLES OF MUGWUMP
- I’m a mugwump when it comes to dessert menus. Don’t make me pick just one.
- The committee stalled again, thanks to yet another mugwump on the city board.
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