NOVEMBER 2024
A transitional linguistic system created by language learners as they progress in acquiring a new language, influenced by their native language and the target language.
A long, adventurous journey, often filled with notable experiences or challenges.
A division or split within a group, especially one caused by differing beliefs or opinions.
A symbolic object, animal, or plant revered by a tribe or clan, often considered to represent their ancestry or spiritual connection.
A term for a lighthouse, derived from the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, which served as a beacon for sailors.
A seed or spore, often with associated structures, that facilitates dispersal and reproduction in plants.
A strong or habitual liking for something, especially one that is distinctive or specific.
A person who frequently travels to different parts of the world, often for pleasure or exploration.
A figure of speech that involves deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect, not meant to be taken literally.
A branch of linguistics dealing with the use of language in context and the ways in which people produce and interpret meaning in conversation.
In a metaphorical sense, an unattainable or fanciful idea or delusion; in mythology, a creature made up of parts from different animals.
A hypothetical future point where technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, often associated with artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence.
A rare or intriguing object, often displayed in magical shops as artifacts or enchanted items with mysterious origins.
The non-verbal elements of communication, such as tone, pitch, volume, and body language, that convey meaning alongside spoken words.
A covered driveway at the entrance of a hotel or building, allowing vehicles to drop off guests while providing protection from the weather.
A proposed geological epoch that highlights the significant impact of human activities on the Earth’s systems and ecosystems.
A mild or indirect word or expression used in place of a harsher or more direct one, often employed to soften the impact of sensitive topics.
A type of plant adapted to survive in very dry or desert environments, with features to reduce water loss, like thick leaves or deep roots.
A technique or approach in learning and problem-solving that encourages self-discovery and learning through trial and error, rather than direct instruction.
A steep slope or long cliff that forms as a result of erosion or faulting, marking a significant drop in elevation often seen in mountainous regions.
A shaded area in a garden often created by climbing plants trained over a framework, providing a cozy, leafy retreat.
A significant period in history or in a person’s life marked by notable events or characteristics; in geology, a division of time smaller than a period and larger than an age.
Abandoned or left behind, often in a lonely or desolate way; can describe someone who feels isolated or forgotten.
Originally, Castilian referred specifically to the Spanish dialect from the Castile region; today, it’s often used to describe standard Spanish spoken in Spain.
An old unit of distance equal to 1/8 of a mile or approximately 201 meters, historically used in measuring fields and racing tracks.
A traditional set of ethical codes and social norms followed by the Pashtun people of Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing values like hospitality, loyalty, and courage.
A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand; often someone who seems intriguing and keeps to themselves.
A term used in Jungian psychology referring to the inner feminine aspect of a man’s personality or, more generally, to the soul or inner life force.
The full moon that typically occurs in November, named by Native American tribes to mark the first heavy frost of the autumn season.
A book of spells, incantations, and magical knowledge, often used by witches or occultists.
OCTOBER 2024
A ghostly apparition, often depicted as a faint, shadowy figure; traditionally, a wraith is a forewarning of death.
A traditional Celtic festival marking the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter, celebrated on October 31st, and a precursor to Halloween.
Not affiliated with or influenced by any political party or faction, allowing for a neutral stance that considers all perspectives.
A person who travels on foot, often over long distances. Traditionally, a wayfarer might travel for exploration, trade, or simply to experience new places.
An Old English term for a serpent or dragon, commonly used in early literature to describe monstrous, serpent-like dragons that were both feared and revered.
Showing good judgment or taste, especially in making choices or distinguishing between things; often describes someone who has refined preferences.
A wide, unobstructed view of an extensive area, often associated with breathtaking landscapes or cityscapes. Panoramas can be natural or constructed to offer sweeping perspectives.
A word or phrase borrowed from Latin or Greek, often perceived as overly scholarly or pretentious. Many inkhorn terms were introduced during the Late Modern English period as writers sought to enrich the language.
The loose skin at the back of a kitten’s neck, often used by the mother cat to carry her young. Scruffing is a natural, gentle way for the mother to move her kittens.
A simultaneous discharge of all the guns on one side of a warship. In naval battles, delivering an effective broadside could overwhelm the enemy with firepower.
The Māori name for New Zealand, often translated as “Land of the Long White Cloud.” It is widely used alongside “New Zealand” and reflects the nation’s bicultural heritage.
A pre-Reformation religious movement that advocated for reforms in the Catholic Church and the use of English in religious services instead of Latin or French. It gained traction during the latter part of the Hundred Years’ War.
CIDER
An alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples. Cider production is common in regions where apples are widely grown.
ANGLO-NORMAN
A variety of Old Norman French spoken by the Norman elite in England after the conquest. It became the language of the courts, law, and the aristocracy, while influencing the development of Middle English.
ABLUTION
The act of washing oneself, often used in religious or ritual contexts.
ONOMATOPOEIA
A word that phonetically mimics or resembles the sound that it describes, frequently used as interjections to convey sounds.
BANSHEE
A female spirit in Irish mythology whose wailing foretells the death of a family member.
EUDAIMONIA
A state of human flourishing or well-being, often used in philosophy to describe a life lived in accordance with virtue.
Golden Ratio
A special number approximately equal to 1.618, often found in nature and art, where the ratio of two quantities is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger quantity.
Wyrd
An Old English term meaning “fate” or “destiny,” often associated with the concept of unavoidable fate in Anglo-Saxon culture.
Samurai
A member of the powerful warrior class in feudal Japan, known for their strict code of honor and loyalty called bushido.
Transience
The state or quality of being temporary or short-lived.
Tartan
A pattern of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, traditionally associated with Scottish clans.
Deportment
The way a person behaves or carries themselves, especially in terms of elegance and manners.
Lassitude
A state of physical or mental weariness, often accompanied by a lack of interest or energy.
Kenning
A figurative, compound expression used in Old English and Norse poetry to describe something indirectly, such as “whale-road” for the sea or “bone-house” for the body.
Misgiving
A feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.
Doppelgänger
A non-biologically related look-alike or double of a living person, often linked to folklore, where encountering one’s doppelgänger is believed to be an omen of bad luck.
Mounties
A colloquial term for members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada’s national police force.
Equanimity
Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in difficult situations, contributing to an enduring sense of contentment.
Purring
The soft, vibrating sound made by a cat, typically as a sign of contentment or comfort.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Frame Narrative
A literary technique where a main story serves as the framework for a series of smaller stories. Chaucer used this technique in The Canterbury Tales.
Dusk
The period of time just after sunset when the sky begins to darken, often near the horizon.
Atrium
A large, open central area within a building, often with a glass roof, used to bring in natural light and provide a communal space.
Outback
The remote, vast, and arid interior region of Australia, known for its rugged landscape and sparse population.
Camaraderie
A spirit of trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together, often implying mutual support and loyalty.
Fate
The idea that events are predetermined and beyond one’s control, often carrying a sense of inevitability or mystery.
Queuing
The practice of forming a line or queue to wait for service, highly regarded in British culture as a symbol of politeness and order.
Tilde
A diacritical mark (~) used in some languages, like Spanish, to indicate a nasal sound, as in ‘ñ,’ or to represent certain approximations in mathematics.
Zero-Sum
A situation in which one party’s gain is exactly balanced by another party’s loss, often used in game theory or economics.
Code-Switching
The practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation.
Ontology
A branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being, existence, and reality.
Pastoral
Relating to the countryside, especially in an idealized or romanticized way; also used to describe rural or agricultural life.
Loanword
A word adopted from one language and incorporated into another without translation.
Foresight
The ability to predict or plan for the future based on knowledge and insight.
Simmer
To cook something gently at a temperature just below boiling, typically allowing flavors to develop slowly.
Syntax
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
Itinerary
A planned route or schedule of travel, outlining destinations, activities, and timeframes.
Morpheme
The smallest grammatical unit in a language that carries meaning. A morpheme can be a word or a part of a word, such as a prefix or suffix.
Neurogenesis
The process of generating new neurons in the brain, which plays a key role in learning, memory, and cognitive flexibility, even into old age.
Biodiversity
The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Contentment
A state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction.
Regalia
The emblems or symbols of royalty, such as crowns, scepters, and robes, typically worn during ceremonial occasions.
Chronology
The arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence.
Domestication
The process by which animals are adapted to live with humans through selective breeding and behavior modification.
Neuroplasticity
The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, allowing it to adapt to sensory changes or loss.
Blueprint
A detailed technical drawing or plan, typically used in architecture or engineering to represent the design and specifications of a building, machine, or system.
Dogma
A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true, often in a religious or ideological context.
Legionary
A soldier in a Roman legion.
Befuddlement
A state of being confused or perplexed.
Fascia
A band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily made of collagen, that surrounds and supports muscles, organs, and other structures within the body.
AUGUST 2024
Metacognition
Awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes; thinking about thinking.
Traverse
To travel across or through something, often referring to a difficult or challenging route.
Venture
To undertake a risky or daring journey or course of action.
Heimlich
Germanic in origin, meaning secret or concealed; something that gives a feeling of home or familiarity, but also associated with the uncanny.
Proclivity
A natural inclination or tendency to behave in a particular way or like something.
Deciduous
Referring to trees or shrubs that shed their leaves annually
Philology
8-25-’24
The study of language in historical and literary texts, including the development and history of languages.
Nyctophilia
A love or preference for the night or darkness.
Phantasmagoria
A sequence of real or imaginary images like those seen in a dream; an exhibition of optical illusions and effects.
Vanquish
To defeat thoroughly in battle or conflict.
Pareidolia
The tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern.
Clinomania
An excessive desire to stay in bed.
Palimpsest
A manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been erased to make room for later writing but of which traces remain.
Politesse
Formal politeness or courtesy.
Decorum
8-18-’24
Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety.
Civility
Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.
Etiquette
The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.
Proboscis
An elongated mouthpart used by some insects, such as butterflies and moths, for feeding and sucking up liquids.
Ovipositor
A tubular organ through which a female insect or fish deposits eggs.
Pheromone
A chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an insect, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of its species.
Metamorphosis
A biological process by which an insect undergoes a transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
Exoskeleton
8-11-’24
A rigid external covering that provides support and protection for the body of some invertebrates, including insects.
Entomology
The branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects.
Exuberance
The quality of being full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness.
Zest
Great enthusiasm and energy; also, the outer peel of citrus fruit used for flavoring.
Dormancy
A period in which a seed is alive but not actively growing; a state of suspended growth and development.
Dispersal
The action or process of distributing or spreading seeds away from the parent plant to new locations.
Mnemonics
Techniques or strategies used to aid in remembering information.
Reminiscence
8-04-’24
The act of recalling past experiences or events, or the stories or memories themselves.
Nostalgia
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Kinship
Blood relationship; a feeling of being close or connected to other people.
Matrilineal
Relating to or based on kinship with the mother or the female line.
JULY2024
Symbiosis
Interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both.
Polymorphism
The occurrence of different forms, types, or morphs in individual organisms or organisms of the same species, often due to genetic variation.
Endemic
(Of a species) native and restricted to a certain place.
Bioluminescence
7-28-’24
The production and emission of light by a living organism.
Ruminant
An animal that chews cud regurgitated from its rumen; typically herbivorous, such as cows, sheep, and deer.
Molting
The process of shedding old feathers, hair, skin, or an exoskeleton to make way for new growth.
Crepuscular
(Of an animal) active during twilight (dawn and dusk).
Viviparous
(Of an animal) bringing forth live young that have developed inside the body of the parent.
Arboreal
Living in or often found in trees.
Torpor
A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy; in animals, a state of decreased physiological activity typically characterized by a reduced body temperature and metabolic rate.
Endothermic
7-21-’24
(Of an animal) dependent on or capable of the internal generation of heat; warm-blooded.
Libation
A drink poured out as an offering to a deity, or more commonly, an alcoholic drink.
Deciduous
(Of a tree or shrub) shedding its leaves annually.
Euphemism
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
Voracious
Having a very eager approach to an activity, especially eating; extremely hungry.
Sagacious
Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise.
Obfuscate
To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Tenacious
7-15-’24
Tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely; determined.
Ample
More than enough; sufficient in quantity or extent.
Loquacious
Tending to talk a great deal; talkative.
Munificent
More generous than is usual or necessary.
Acrimonious
(Typically of speech or a debate) angry and bitter.
Pernicious
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Lugubrious
Looking or sounding sad and dismal.
Ebullient
Cheerful and full of energy.
Apprehension
7-01-’24
Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
Jubilation
A feeling of great happiness and triumph.
Despondency
A state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.
Elation
Great happiness and exhilaration.
Apathy
Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Voluptuous
Relating to or characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure (often used to describe a curvy, attractive woman).
Foppish
Concerned with one’s clothes and appearance in an affected and excessive way (usually used for men).
JUNE 2024
Stately
6-30-’24
Having a dignified, unhurried, and grand manner; majestic in manner and appearance.
Beauteous
Beautiful (often used in a poetic or literary sense).
Svelte
Slender and elegant.
Sartorial
Relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress.
Dapper
Neat and trim in dress, appearance, or bearing (usually used for men).
Comely
Pleasant to look at; attractive (typically used to describe women).
Winsome
Attractive or appealing in appearance or character.
Stelliform
6-23-’24
Star-shaped; having a form resembling a star.
Aciform
Needle-shaped; slender and pointed like a needle.
Globiform
Spherical or globe-shaped.
Amorphous
Lacking a clear structure or form; shapeless.
Fractal
A complex geometric shape made up of patterns that repeat at every scale.
Geodesic
The shortest path between two points on a curved surface; often related to domes.
Icosahedron
A polyhedron with 20 faces, commonly seen in some dice and in viral structures.
Oblate
6-16-’24
Having a shape that is flattened at the poles, like the shape of the Earth.
Tessellation
A pattern of shapes that fit together perfectly without any gaps or overlaps, often used in tiling.
Fallow
Plowed and left unseeded for a season or more; uncultivated.
Thresh
To separate grain from a plant, typically by using a flail or a machine.
Harrow
A farming tool with teeth or discs for breaking up and smoothing out the surface of the soil.
Yoke
A wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart they are to pull.
Midden
A dunghill or refuse heap, often used in historical contexts referring to ancient trash heaps that provide archaeological insights.
Prophylactic
6-09-’24
Intended to prevent disease.
Factotum
An employee or assistant who serves in a wide range of capacities.
Peregrinator
A person who travels or wanders from place to place.
Amanuensis
A literary or artistic assistant, in particular, one who takes dictation or copies manuscripts.
Operose
Involving or displaying much industry or effort; laborious.
Calligrapher
A person who is skilled in the art of beautiful handwriting or lettering.
Salubrious
Health-giving; healthy.
Probity
6-02-’24
The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
Credence
Belief in or acceptance of something as true.
MAY 2024
Sycophant
5-31-’24
A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage; a flatterer.
Lachrymose
tearful or given to weeping; inducing tears; sad.
Aplomb
self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.
Xenial
relating to hospitality or relations between host and guest.
Winsome
attractive or appealing in appearance or character.
Umbra
5-26-’24
the fully shaded inner region of a shadow cast by an opaque object.
Surreptitious
kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
Zephyr
a gentle, mild breeze.
Resilience
the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Pulchritudinous
(literary) beautiful.
Labyrinthine
like a labyrinth; intricate and confusing.
Equanimity
mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
Luminous
5-19-’24
full of or shedding light; bright or shining, especially in the dark.
Ineffable
too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
Ebullient
cheerful and full of energy.
Alacrity
brisk and cheerful readiness.
Demise
a person’s death.
Numinous
having a strong religious or spiritual quality; mysterious and awe-inspiring.
Empyrean
the highest heaven, believed by the ancients to contain pure fire or light.
Diaphanous
5-12-’24
light, delicate, and translucent, especially fabric.
Copacetic
in excellent order; satisfactory or acceptable.
Euphonious
pleasing to the ear; melodious.
Epitome
a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.
Quintessential
representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Resplendent
attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.
Paradox
a seemingly contradictory statement or situation that may reveal a truth.
Euphoria
5-05-’24
a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness.
Zenith
the highest point reached by a celestial or other object; the peak or culmination.
Cacophony
a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Panacea
a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases; a cure-all.
Zeitgeist
1-05-’24
the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.
APRIL 2024
Zephyr
30-04-’24
a gentle, mild breeze; a soft wind.
Aquiline
relating to or resembling an eagle; curved or hooked like an eagle’s beak.
Riparian
28-04-’24
relating to or situated on the banks of a river or stream.
Bucolic
relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and rural life; rustic.
Ethereal
extremely delicate and light, often associated with the atmosphere or celestial realms.
Verdant
lush green with vegetation; covered in greenery.
Penumbra
a partially shaded area around the edge of a shadow, especially during an eclipse.
Susurrus
a soft murmuring or rustling sound; a whispering or rustling.
Nebulous
unclear, vague, or ill-defined; hazy.
Vicissitude
21-04-’24
a change of circumstances or fortune, typically unwelcome or unpleasant.
Perspicacious
having a keen understanding or insight; perceptive.
Quixotic
extremely idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
Sempiternal
everlasting, eternal, or unending.
Cacophony
a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Effervescent
lively, enthusiastic, and full of energy.
Obfuscate
to deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.
Limerence
14-04-’24
the state of being infatuated or obsessed with another person, typically experienced involuntarily and characterized by a strong desire for reciprocation of one’s feelings.
Halcyon
denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful.
Sonder
the realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own.
Petrichor
the pleasant, earthy smell after rain falls on dry ground.
Ephemeral
lasting for a very short time.
Mellifluous
sweet or musical; pleasant to hear.
Serendipity
the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Inchoate
7-04-’24
just begun and so not fully formed or developed; in an initial stage.
The English Nook 