Word of the Day
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose pettifogging
More about pettifogging
- First recorded in 1570–80.
- Combines pettifog, a backformation of pettifogger, meaning “a petty or fussy person,” + -ing².
EXAMPLES OF PETTIFOGGING
- The lawyer’s pettifogging arguments were only meant to stall the case.
- The novel’s epic saga is weighed down by the pettifogging formalities of aristocratic etiquette.
birl
verb
to spin something (like a floating log) by treading upon it
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose birl
More about birl
EXAMPLES OF BIRL
- She tried to birl the barrel, but it wobbled unpredictably, sending her crashing to the ground.
- The champion of the lumberjack festivals could birl a log without ever losing balance.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose latent
More about latent
- First recorded before 1600.
- From the Latin verb latēre, meaning “to lie hidden.”
EXAMPLES OF LATENT
- The forest fire was sparked by a latent ember from last night’s campfire.
- The cat’s infection moved into a latent phase.
Word of the Day Calendar