Word of the Day

Definition: (verb) Reduce to small pieces or particles by pounding or abrading. Synonyms: bray, mash, crunch, grind. Usage: The chef comminuted the spices in his mortar for several minutes before sprinkling them on the chicken. Discuss

Definition: (noun) A burning sensation, usually centered in the middle of the chest near the sternum, caused by the reflux of acidic stomach fluids that enter the lower end of the esophagus. Synonyms: pyrosis. Usage: Why, a single glass of beer would give me heartburn and spoil my next good meal. Discuss

Definition: (noun) An expression of sympathy with another's grief. Synonyms: commiseration. Usage: I hoped that my words of condolence would offer the grieving family some comfort. Discuss

Definition: (noun) Inability to see clearly in dim light; due to a deficiency of vitamin A or to a retinal disorder. Synonyms: moon blindness, night blindness. Usage: Sharon's nyctalopia was so severe that she needed a flashlight to find light switches at night. Discuss

Definition: (noun) Courteous formality; politeness. Synonyms: chivalry, gallantry. Usage: Carl held the door for Ashley as they entered the restaurant, and she was immediately impressed with his politesse. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Utter; out-and-out. Synonyms: double-dyed, sodding, thoroughgoing, unadulterated, staring, perfect, pure, everlasting, consummate, complete, stark, gross. Usage: That is the most arrant nonsense I have ever heard. Discuss

Definition: (noun) One who practices magic or sorcery. Synonyms: necromancer, sorcerer, wizard, magician. Usage: The self-proclaimed thaumaturge bowed to his audience before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Very good; of the highest quality. Synonyms: excellent, fantabulous, splendid. Usage: The power of the lantern seemed increased a hundredfold, like a lamp through the lenticular plates of a first-class lighthouse. Discuss

Definition: (noun) <i>(Nontechnical usage)</i> A tiny piece of anything. Synonyms: mote, particle, speck, atom, molecule. Usage: I would not touch one corpuscle of that germ-ridden filth. Discuss

Definition: (verb) Dig up for reburial or for medical investigation; of dead bodies. Synonyms: disinter. Usage: Hoping to uncover evidence of foul play, the police chief ordered that the body be exhumed. Discuss