Word of the Day
tarantella
[ tar-uhn-tel-uh ]
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noun
a rapid, whirling southern Italian dance
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Why Dictionary.com chose tarantella
More about tarantella
- First recorded in 1775鈥�85.
- From Taranto, the name of a city in southern Italy; the tarantula spider also gets its name from this city.
EXAMPLES OF TARANTELLA
- A burst of applause followed their spirited rendition of the tarantella.
- The tarantella was more than just a dance; it was family tradition.
xanthic
[ zan-thik ]
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adjective
of or relating to a yellow or yellowish color
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Why Dictionary.com chose xanthic
More about xanthic
- First recorded in 1810鈥�20.
- From Greek 虫补苍迟丑贸蝉, meaning “yellow or golden.”
EXAMPLES OF XANTHIC
- A xanthic haze hung in the afternoon sky just before the storm rolled in.
- The textbook’s margins had become xanthic with age and repeated use.
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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