Word of the Day
novation
noun
the introduction of something new; innovation
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Why Dictionary.com chose novation
More about novation
- First recorded around 1525.
- From the Latin novātiō, meaning “a renewing;” related to the words new and novel².
EXAMPLES OF NOVATION
- The city’s novation in urban planning has made it a model for other metropolitan areas.
- His artistic novation introduced a new aesthetic that quickly gained popularity.
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Why Dictionary.com chose cognate
More about cognate
- First recorded in 1635–45.
- Combines the prefix co-⁷ + the Latin root (g)nāscī, meaning “to be born” and related to the word nascent.
EXAMPLES OF COGNATE
- Music and math are cognate, both rooted in patterns and structure.
- The novel’s themes are cognate to those in the author’s earlier works, exploring identity and belonging.
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Why Dictionary.com chose torpor
More about torpor
- First recorded in 1600–10.
- From the Latin torpēre, meaning “to be stiff or numb.”
EXAMPLES OF TORPOR
- The bear emerged from its winter torpor hungry and ready to forage for food.
- The snowy weather cast a spell of quiet torpor over the entire village.
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