Word Language of Origin Meaning Parts of Speech Usage in a Sentence
Licit Latin Allowable, permitted, lawful. Adjective The sale of board games at the school fair is a licit activity.
Sphinx Latin A hybrid monster, usually described as having the head of a woman and the (winged) body of a lion from Greek Mythology. Noun In Greek mythology, the Sphinx terrorised Thebes by posing deadly riddles to travelers until Oedipus solved one and defeated her.
Mortgage French An arrangement or transaction whereby a benefit is acquired at the expense of exposure to some risk or constraint. Noun The family took out a mortgage to buy their dream home.
Anomalous A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. That deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected; atypical, irregular, abnormal. Adjective The anomalous weather pattern brought snow in the middle of summer.
Beaucoup A borrowing from French. A large amount or number; a lot, lots, plenty. Noun The soldiers carried beaucoup supplies into camp.
Lesion Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French and Latin.
Injury; damage; hurt. Also: a wound or injury; a blemish, flaw, or hurt. 		Noun The doctor examined the skin lesion carefully.
Baubles Apparently a borrowing from French. An ornament, trinket, or toy, and related senses. Noun The children hung shiny baubles on the Christmas tree.
Furlough Dutch Permission to be absent, esp. from work or from active service or duty; absence, leave; the period of such absence. Noun The soldier eagerly awaited his furlough to visit family.
Catenary Latin The curve formed by a chain or rope of uniform density hanging freely from two fixed points not in the same vertical line. Noun The power lines formed a graceful catenary between the poles.
Wreak A word inherited from Germanic. To drive, banish, and related uses. Verb The storm will wreak havoc on the coastal towns.
Egress Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French and Latin. The action or an act of going out or leaving from a place; liberty to go out or leave. Noun The theatre features multiple egress points for safety.
Catheter Latin A long tubular instrument, of metal or caoutchouc, more or less curved at the end, for passing into the bladder in order to draw off urine, etc Noun The nurse carefully inserted the catheter to drain the patient's bladder.
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Fortissimo Italian Very loud. Adverb The orchestra played fortissimo to end the symphony with a thrilling roar.
Beleaguer Dutch To surround (a town, etc.) with troops so as to prevent ingress and egress, to invest, besiege. Verb Troops continued to beleaguer the fortress for weeks.
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Gaiety French The quality or condition of being gay; cheerfulness, mirth. Noun The carnival was filled with laughter and gaiety.
Chiffon French A diaphanous plain-woven fabric of fine hard-twisted yarn (originally silk, later nylon, etc.) Noun The evening gown flowed gracefully, made from delicate chiffon.
Dressage French The art or discipline of schooling a horse in obedience and deportment, with emphasis on control, flexibility, and balance. Noun The rider practiced dressage daily to perfect her horse's movements.
Forfeiture French The loss of rights, property, or money, especially as a result of breaking a legal agreement. Noun The player faced forfeiture of his championship trophy due to the rule violation.
Biennale Italian Originally an international art exhibition held every two years at Venice; an event occurring every two years like art exhibition, festival, etc Noun Visitors flocked to the Venice Biennale to see cutting-edge contemporary art from around the world.
Vinyl A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. A covering material or fabric made of or containing polyvinyl. Noun The kitchen floor featured durable vinyl as its primary material.
Staunch French Of a person: Standing firm and true to one's principles or purpose, not to be turned aside, determined. Adjective She remains a staunch supporter of the local cricket team.
Arrogate Latin To claim or appropriate (a right, title, privilege, power, etc.) falsely or without justification. Verb The council did not arrogate the authority to make decisions without public input.
Gallivant Perhaps a variant or alteration of another lexical item. To gad about in a showy fashion, esp. with persons of the other sex. Verb The teenagers decided to gallivant through the festival, sampling treats and enjoying live music.
Ducal French Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a duke or dukedom. Adjective The ducal palace overlooked the grand city square.
Memoir French A book or other piece of writing based on the writer's personal knowledge of famous people, places, or events. Noun She finally published her memoir about growing up during wartime.
Suffrage Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French and Latin. The right to vote in an election, especially to vote for representatives in a government. Noun Women fought tirelessly for suffrage in the early 20th century.
Deferential Formed within English, by derivation. Characterized by deference; showing deference; respectful. Adjective The student spoke in a deferential tone when addressing the teacher.
Eucharist French The Christian ceremony based on Jesus Christ's last meal with his twelve disciples or the holy bread and wine used in this ceremony. Noun The priest consecrated the bread and wine during the Eucharist.
Bezel French A slope, a sloping edge or face: esp. that of a chisel or other cutting tool. Noun The elegant watch featured a diamond bezel that caught the light beautifully.
Vermin French Animals regarded as harmful or objectionable, or considered to be pests. Noun The farmer set traps to catch the vermin raiding the grain stores.
Ruminant Latin Of an animal: that chews the cud; that is a ruminant. Adjective Sheep belong to the ruminant family, known for their multi-chambered stomachs.
Upholstery Formed within English, by derivation. The fabrics and materials used in the covering and stuffing of furniture. Noun The antique sofa's upholstery had faded over decades of use.
Concomitant Latin Going together, accompanying, concurrent, attendant. Adjective The medication caused concomitant side effects like nausea and fatigue.
Gruel Formed within English, by derivation. A light, liquid food made by boiling oatmeal in water or milk, sometimes with the addition of other ingredients, as butter, sugar, spices, onions, etc. Noun The cook stirred the thin gruel simmering on the stove.
Toupee Apparently a borrowing from French. A piece of artificial hair worn by a man to cover part of his head where there is no hair. Noun The actor adjusted his toupee before stepping onto the stage.
Bassinet French An oblong wickerwork basket, with a hood over one end, used as a cradle for babies. Noun The new parents placed their sleeping newborn in a cozy bassinet by the bedside.
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Extraneous A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Of external origin; introduced or added from without; foreign to the object in which it is contained, or to which it is attached. Adjective During the lecture, the professor ignored the extraneous comments from the audience.
Bureaucracy Formed within English, by compounding; modelled on a French lexical item. Government by officials; a system of government or administration by a hierarchy of professional administrators following clearly defined procedures in a routine and organized manner. Noun The permit application got stuck in layers of government bureaucracy for months.
Baste Unknown Origin To pour fat, cooking juices, or other liquid over (roasting meat, etc.) in order to prevent it from drying out during cooking and to improve the flavour. Verb The cook used a spoon to baste the chicken with butter.
Luddite From a proper name, combined with an English element. One who opposes the introduction of new technology, esp. into a place of work. Noun My uncle remains a staunch Luddite, refusing to use smartphones despite their ubiquity.
Abutment Formed within English, by derivation. The structure or rock which supports the lateral thrust of a bridge, arch, vault, etc.; the part of a valley side against which a dam is constructed. Noun The bridge's sturdy abutment withstood the river's seasonal floods.
Hebetude Latin The condition or state of being blunt or dull; dullness, bluntness, obtuseness, lethargy. Noun A heavy fog of hebetude settled over the assembly hall after the monotonous keynote speech.
Maisonette French A small house (Chiefly British) Noun They rented a charming maisonette in London, spanning two floors with its own street entrance.
Gricer Unknown Origin A railway enthusiast, esp. one who seeks out and photographs unusual trains; loosely, a train-spotter. Noun The dedicated gricer waited hours at the station to photograph a rare steam locomotive passing through.
Riveting Formed within English, by derivation. That holds one's attention; compelling, enthralling, fascinating. Adjective The detective's riveting testimony captivated the entire courtroom.
Smoulder Formed within English, by conversion. To burn and smoke without flame. Verb The campfire's embers continued to smoulder slowly long after nightfall.
Brachiate Latin Having arms; in Botany having branches in pairs running out nearly at right angles with the stem and crossing each other alternately. Adjective Maples typically display brachiate branching, with limbs arranged in opposite pairs.
Trousseau French A bride's outfit of clothes, house-linen, etc. Noun The bride carefully packed her trousseau with linens, finery, and family heirlooms before the wedding.
Fettle Perhaps formed within English, by conversion. To make ready, put in order, arrange. Verb The mechanic will fettle the engine before the race begins.
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Caprice French A sudden change or turn of the mind without apparent or adequate motive; a whim, mere fancy. Noun Driven by pure caprice, she dyed her hair bright pink one weekend.
Skirmish French An irregular engagement between two small bodies of troops of opposing armies; a petty fight or encounter. Noun Border patrols engaged in a brief skirmish with intruders before reinforcements arrived.
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Volitive Either a borrowing from Latin. Or formed within English, by derivation. Of or pertaining to the will. Adjective His volitive nature drove him to succeed in his goals.
Prescience Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French and Latin. Knowledge of events before they happen; foreknowledge. Noun The investor's prescience enabled her to sell stocks just before the market crash.
Pallid Latin Lacking depth or intensity of colour; faint or feeble in colour; pale. Adjective The patient's pallid skin alarmed the nurses during the examination.
Spigot Probably a borrowing from Old Occitan. A small wooden peg or pin used to stop the vent-hole of a barrel or cask. Noun She turned the spigot to fill the watering can from the outdoor faucet.
Rutilant Latin Glowing, shining, gleaming, glittering, with either a reddish or golden light. Adjective The rutilant sunset painted the sky in fiery reds and golds.
Pursuant Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French, partly formed within English, by derivation. In accordance with; consequent and in conformance to. Adverb The motion was filed pursuant to Section 56 of the Civil Procedure Code.
Impresario Italian One who organizes public entertainments; esp. the manager of an operatic or concert company. Noun The impresario orchestrated a spectacular opera season, securing top talent and selling out every performance.
Drivel Formed within English, by conversion. Foolish or silly words; nonsense. Noun The politician's speech devolved into incoherent drivel that left the audience bewildered.
Suplex Unknown Origin A move in which a wrestler lifts an opponent over his or her shoulder before falling backwards, driving the opponent to the mat. Noun The wrestler executed a flawless suplex, lifting his opponent overhead before slamming him onto the mat.
Benefice French A good deed, kindness, favour; a grace or ‘indulgence.’ Noun The widow's generous benefice to the orphanage provided scholarships for dozens of children.
Plebeian A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element; perhaps modelled on a French lexical item. A person not of noble or privileged rank; one of the ordinary people, a commoner. Noun They dismissed the plebeian demands during the Roman assembly.
Serum Latin Watery animal fluid, normal or morbid; spec. blood-serum, the greenish yellow liquid which separates from the clot when blood coagulates. Noun Doctors administered the life-saving serum to combat the spreading infection.
Bowyer Formed within English, by derivation. One who makes, or trades in, bows. Noun The village bowyer crafted exquisite longbows from seasoned yew wood for the king's archers.
Operose Latin Of a person: industrious, busy, painstaking. Adjective The scholar devoted years to the operose task of cataloging ancient manuscripts by hand.
Glaucous A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Of a dull or pale green colour passing into greyish blue. Adjective The glaucous leaves of the succulent plant bore a distinctive powdery, bluish coating.
Passerine A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Of or relating to the large order Passeriformes, which comprises birds with feet adapted for perching and includes all the songbirds. Adjective The robin belongs to the passerine order of perching songbirds.
Dyad Latin The number two; a group of two; a couple. Noun The researcher analysed the mother-infant dyad to understand early bonding patterns.
Chuffed Apparently formed within English, by derivation. Pleased, satisfied. Adjective She was absolutely chuffed with the handmade artwork from the artisan workshop.
Pergola Italian An arbour; a covered walk or shelter (usually in a garden), esp. one formed of growing plants trained over a (usually wooden or metal) framework; this framework itself. Noun The artist sketched a beautiful pergola covered in jasmine flowers.
Bricolage French The process or technique of creating a new artwork, concept, etc., by appropriating a set of diverse existing materials or sources. Noun The sculptor created a stunning bricolage from discarded metal scraps and found objects in the studio.
Vicereine French The wife of a viceroy. Noun The vicereine hosted a grand reception at the colonial palace, dazzling guests with her elegance and poise.
Wharf A word inherited from Germanic. A substantial structure of timber, stone, etc., built along the water's edge, so that ships may lie alongside for loading and unloading. Noun Sailors unloaded crates of spices at the bustling wharf along the Arabian Sea coast.
Scythe A word inherited from Germanic. An agricultural implement for mowing grass or other crops, having a long thin curving blade. Noun The farmer sharpened his scythe before cutting through the tall grass in the field.
Upbraid Formed within English, by derivation. To reproach, reprove, censure (a person, etc.). Verb The mentors upbraid the young artist for neglecting traditional techniques in the studio.
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Balladeer Formed within English, by derivation. A person who sings or composes ballads. Noun The balladeer sang tales of ancient heroes around the evening campfire.
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Howitzer Apparently a borrowing from German. In Sport: A fast and powerful kick or strike of the ball; esp. a fiercely struck shot. Noun The striker unleashed a howitzer from 30 yards out, rocketing the ball into the top corner for a stunning goal.
Satori Japanese Sudden spiritual awakening or enlightenment which defies reason and is achieved by meditation and study. Noun During meditation in the quiet retreat, the practitioner suddenly experienced satori.
Gurney Apparently from a proper name. A wheeled stretcher or trolley, used esp. to transport patients in an ambulance or hospital. Noun Nurses wheeled the patient into the operating room on a gurney.
Suffuse Latin To overspread as with a fluid, a colour, a gleam of light. Verb Memories suffuse the old photograph.
Loathsome Formed within English, by derivation. Exciting disgust or loathing. Adjective Loathsome creatures lurked in the dark corners of the abandoned warehouse.
Insentience Formed within English, by derivation. The fact or condition of being insentient; insensibility, unconsciousness. Noun Rocks exhibit insentience, unlike living creatures.
Melic Latin or Greek Of or relating to Greek lyric poetry. Adjective Melic poetry, designed for musical accompaniment, flourished among ancient Greek lyricists like Sappho.
Shallot A variant or alteration of another lexical item. A small onion, native in Syria and cultivated for use as a flavouring ingredient for salads, sauces, etc. Noun The chef caramelised a single shallot to enhance the sauce's subtle sweetness.
Tranche French A cutting, a cut; a piece cut off, a slice. Noun Investors bought the senior tranche first for its lower risk profile.
Camisole French An underbodice, often embroidered and trimmed with lace. Noun She layered a silk camisole beneath her sheer blouse for a sophisticated look.
Impermeant Formed within English, by derivation; modelled on a French lexical item. Of a molecule or ion: unable to pass through a membrane. Adjective The researcher used an impermeant dye to study membrane permeability in the cell experiment.
Writhe A word inherited from Germanic. To make large twisting movements with the body, Verb The injured hiker began to writhe in pain after twisting his ankle on the trail.
Panache French Flamboyant confidence of style or manner; dashing display; swagger; flamboyance, style. Noun The dancer performed her routine with incredible panache, captivating the entire audience.
Spittoon Formed within English, by derivation. A metal or earthenware pot typically having a funnel-shaped top, used for spitting into Noun The antique shop displayed a polished brass spittoon from the 18th century.
Roulade French A dish served in the form of a roll, prepared by spreading a filling on to a base which is then rolled up. Noun The chef prepared a beef roulade, thinly slicing steak around a filling of herbs, vegetables, and cheese before braising it slowly.
Commandeer Dutch To command or force into military service; to seize for (or as for) military use.
 Verb Troops commandeer civilian trucks during emergencies for supply transport.
Scour Dutch or Middle Low German To cleanse or polish (metal, earthenware, wood, etc.) by hard rubbing with some detergent substance. Verb She used steel wool to scour the burnt pot until it gleamed.
Trellis French An open framework, lattice-like, used as a support upon which fruit trees or climbing plants are trained. Noun Gardeners train climbing roses along a wooden trellis for vertical support and decorative appeal.
Cassette French A closed container of magnetic tape with both supply and take-up spools, so designed that it needs merely to be inserted into a suitable tape recorder, computer, or video recorder to be ready for use. Noun Nostalgic listeners still cherish their vintage cassettes from the 1980s.
Filigree Formed within English Jewel work of a delicate kind made with threads and beads, usually of gold and silver. Noun The antique necklace featured intricate filigree work crafted from delicate gold wires.
Word Language of Origin Meaning Parts of Speech Usage in a Sentence
Sternutation /stəːnjuːˈteɪʃən/ Latin The action of sneezing; a sneeze. Noun The sudden sternutation in the quiet library startled everyone.
Contrariwise /kənˈtrɛːriwʌɪz/
kuhn-TRAIR-ee-wighz		 Formed within English, by compounding. On the other hand, on the contrary. Adverb He claimed the weather was fine; contrariwise, it poured rain all day.
Ventriloquy /vɛnˈtrɪləkwi/
ven-TRIL-uh-kwee		 Latin The art or entertainment of making one's voice seem to come from somewhere else, such as a dummy of a person or animal. Noun She learned the difficult art of ventriloquy from a video and amazed her friends with her new skill.
Triglyceride /trʌɪˈɡlɪsərʌɪd/
trigh-GLISS-uh-righd		 Formed within English, by compounding. A type of fat found in the blood that is formed from glycerol Noun The body converts unused calories from food into triglycerides, storing them for energy later.
Resplendence /rᵻˈsplɛnd(ə)n(t)s/
ruh-SPLEN-duhns		 Latin Brightness, brilliance, lustre, splendour. Noun Even in its aged state, the antique jewelry retained a certain resplendence, hinting at its former glory.
Mortician /mɔːˈtɪʃn/
mor-TISH-uhn		 A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. A person who arranges funerals; an undertaker. Noun The mortician's expertise ensured a dignified farewell amid the family's grief.
Evanescent /ɛvəˈnɛsənt/
ev-uh-NESS-uhnt		 French That quickly vanishes or passes away; having no permanence. Adjective The evanescent glow of fireflies lit the meadow for mere moments before darkness returned.
Onerous /ˈəʊn(ə)rəs/
OHN-uh-ruhss

/ˈɒn(ə)rəs/
ON-uh-ruhss		 Of multiple origins: French, Latin Difficult to do or needing a lot of effort, burdensome; troublesome, Adjective He faces the onerous task of informing her parents of the truth.
Sarcophagus /sɑːˈkɒfəɡəs/
sar-KOFF-uh-guhss		 Latin A stone coffin (box that a dead person is buried in), especially one that is decorated, used in ancient times Noun Archaeologists uncovered a sarcophagus filled with treasures and the other remnants of ancient rites.
Prevenient /prᵻˈviːniənt/
pruh-VEE-nee-uhnt		 Latin Coming before or preceding in time or order Adjective A prevenient sense of dread warned him that something was wrong.
Mademoiselle /ˌmadəm(w)əˈzɛl/
mad-uhm-wuh-ZEL

/ˌmam(wə)ˈzɛl/
mam-wuh-ZEL

/ˌmadmwɑːˈzɛl/
madm-wah-ZEL		 French A title or form of address used of or to an unmarried French-speaking woman, corresponding to Miss. Noun You take care, mademoiselle, it's not safe to go out after dark.
Theomachy /θiːˈɒməki/ Greek A war or struggle against God or among or against the gods. Noun Even Zeus engaged in his own share of internal theomachies, fighting against other deities for control of Olympus.
Smithereens /ˌsmɪðəˈriːnz/
smidh-uh-REENZ		 Of uncertain origin. Tiny fragments, small pieces Noun The city was bombed to smithereens during the war.
Hibachi /hᵻˈbatʃi/
huh-BATCH-ee

/hᵻˈbɑːtʃi/
huh-BAH-chee		 Japanese A large earthenware pan or brazier in which charcoal is burnt esp. in order to warm the hands or heat a room. Noun The small room was bare except for the hibachi, and a scattering of china on the shelf.
Legionnaire /ˌliːdʒəˈnɛː/
lee-juh-NAIR		 French A member of a legion, like French or Spanish Foreign Legion. Noun The French Foreign Legion legionnaire served in harsh conditions but earned great camaraderie.
Stroganoff /ˈstrɒɡənɒf/
STROG-uh-noff		 French A dish of strips of beef cooked in a sauce containing sour cream. Noun The creamy beef stroganoff was served over egg noodles for a comforting dinner.
Lycanthropy /lʌɪˈkanθrəpi/
ligh-KAN-thruh-pee		 Greek A condition where a person has the delusional belief that they have transformed or can transform into a wolf. Noun The ancient folklore warned that divine wrath could bring about a curse of lycanthropy, turning people into beasts.
Volucrine /ˈvɒljᵿkrʌɪn/
VOL-yuh-krighn		 A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Of pertaining to or arising from birds Adjective Its volucrine descent from the sky was swift and silent.
Tricenary /trʌɪˈsiːnəri/ Latin Related to the number thirty, often meaning lasting or based on 30 days. Adjective The ancient civilisation developed a tricenary system for their lunar calendar, dividing months into thirty days.
Charpoy /ˈtʃɑːpɔɪ/
CHAR-poy		 Urdu The common light Indian bedstead. Noun The family gathered outside, relaxing on their charpoy under the shade of the large banyan tree.
Armistice /ˈɑːmᵻstɪs/
AR-muh-stiss		 French A formal agreement between two countries or groups at war to stop fighting for a particular time, especially to talk about possible peace. Noun Both sides agreed to an armistice to bury the dead and collect the wounded.
Flexitarian /ˌflɛksᵻˈtɛːriən/
fleck-suh-TAIR-ee-uhn		 Formed within English, by blending. A person who follows a primarily but not strictly vegetarian diet. Noun He is trying to eat a healthier, flexitarian diet, incorporating more vegetables and less meat.
Cymbal /ˈsɪmbəl/ Latin One of a pair of concave plates of brass or bronze, which are struck together to produce a sharp ringing sound. Noun Banging the cymbal loudly, the musician marched through the parade to his own beat.
Fulminate /ˈfʊlmᵻneɪt/
FUUL-muh-nayt

/ˈfʌlmᵻneɪt/
FUL-muh-nayt		 Latin To express strong and angry criticism Verb The disgruntled customer continued to fulminate over a price difference.
Meringue /məˈraŋ/
muh-RANG		 French A very light, sweet food made by mixing sugar with egg white and baking it. Noun The chef used a torch to caramelise the meringue on the baked Alaska, adding a toasted note.
Quiddity /ˈkwɪdᵻti/
KWID-uh-tee		 Of multiple origins: French, Latin The inherent nature or essence of a person or thing; what makes a thing what it is. Noun She tried to capture the quiddity of the old village in a single photograph.
Chimerical /kʌɪˈmɛrɪkəl/
kigh-MERR-ik-uhl

/kɪˈmɛrɪkəl/
kim-ERR-ik-uhl		 Formed within English, by derivation. Formed from parts of various animals, or fantastically conceived, imaginary. Adjective The novel was full of chimerical creatures and magical lands.
Avuncular /əˈvʌŋkjʊlə/
uh-VUNG-kyuh-luh		 A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Of, belonging to, or resembling, an uncle. Adjective He was very friendly, but in a slightly bumbling avuncular sort of way.
Isthmus /ˈɪsθməs/
ISTH-muhss

/ˈɪstməs/
IST-muhss		 Latin A narrow portion of land, enclosed on each side by water, and connecting two larger bodies of land; a neck of land Noun They had to travel over the isthmus to the other end of the island.
Harangue /həˈraŋ/
huh-RANG		 French To make an address or speech to an assembly, To lecture or rebuke (someone) at length in an aggressive or critical manner; to reprimand. Verb His colleagues listened politely to his harangue but ignored him.
Commiserative /kəˈmɪz(ə)rətɪv/
kuh-MIZ-uh-ruh-tiv

/kəˈmɪzəreɪtɪv/
kuh-MIZ-uh-ray-tiv		 Formed within English, by derivation. Characterised by or exhibiting commiseration; compassionate; sympathetic. Adjective My coach gave me a commiserative nod, acknowledging the hard work but also the tough loss.
Dhole /dhəʊl/ Of unknown origin. The wild dog of the Deccan in India. Noun A pack of dholes, swiftly moved through the jungle, as they coordinated a hunt for deer.
Pescatarian /ˌpɛskəˈtɛːriən/
pess-kuh-TAIR-ee-uhn		 A borrowing from Italian, combined with an English element. Keeping to a diet which includes fish but not meat Noun Being a pescetarian, she enjoys grilled salmon.
Apropos /aprəˈpəʊ/
ap-ruh-POH		 French To the point or purpose; having direct reference to the matter in hand; pertinent, opportune, Adjective The breezy wrap dress was apropos for a summer wedding.
Winnow /ˈwɪnəʊ/
WIN-oh		 Germanic To expose (grain or other substances) to the wind or to a current of air so that the lighter particles are separated or blown away. Verb After harvesting, the farmers used the wind to winnow the wheat from the chaff.
Arpeggio /ɑːˈpɛdʒiəʊ/
ar-PEJ-ee-oh		 Italian The notes of a musical chord played quickly in rapid succession instead of simultaneously. Noun The pianist opened the concerto with a flowing arpeggio that rippled across the keys.
Efflorescence /ɛflɒˈrɛsəns/ French The process of producing flowers, or bursting into flower; the period of flowering. Noun The trees around it have gone generic green, with no hint of their springtime efflorescence.
Krill /krɪl/
kril		 Norwegian A small, shrimp-like crustacean or a large group of these animals, forming food for fishes and whales. Noun Krill are the principal food of the baleen whales.
Demulcent /dɪˈmʌlsənt/ Latin Soothing, mollifying, relieving irritation. Adjective The demulcent ointment soothed the irritated skin after the sunburn.
Tanager /ˈtanədʒə/
TAN-uh-juh		 Latin A diverse group of small, often brightly colored songbirds, of Central and South America. Noun A vibrant scarlet tanager flashed through the forest canopy, drawing the attention of birdwatchers.
Stellular /ˈstɛljʊlə/
STEL-yuul-uh		 A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Having the form of a small star or small stars. Adjective Fireflies created a stellular glow in the forest, like tiny, drifting stars.
Mellifluous /mᵻˈlɪflʊəs/
muh-LIFF-loo-uhss		 A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Of speech, words, music, etc.: sweet, honeyed; pleasant-sounding, flowing, musical. Adjective Her mellifluous voice filled the concert hall, captivating every listener.
Nihilism /ˈnʌɪ(h)ᵻlɪz(ə)m/
NIGH-huh-liz-uhm

/ˈnɪhᵻlɪz(ə)m/
NI-huh-liz-uhm		 A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element The belief or theory that the world has no real existence; the rejection of all notions of reality. Noun Potter was terrified that atheism led to nihilism.
Raclette /raˈklɛt/
rack-LET		 French A dish traditionally made in parts of Switzerland and France, consisting of melted cheese served with potatoes, pickled onions, and gherkins; Noun The wedding guests savored raclette melted over boiled potatoes with pickles.
Epistolary /ᵻˈpɪstəl(ə)ri/
uh-PISS-tuhl-uh-ree		 Latin Of or relating to letters or letter-writing. Adjective The novel unfolds as an epistolary tale, told entirely through exchanged correspondence between the sisters.
Schism /ˈsɪz(ə)m/
SIZ-uhm

/ˈskɪz(ə)m/
SKIZ-uhm		 French A division into two groups caused by a disagreement about ideas, especially in a religious organisation. Noun Several decades later, there was a great schism in the catholic church.
Catarrh /kəˈtɑː/
kuh-TAR		 French A condition in which a lot of mucus is produced in the nose and throat, especially when a person has an infection. Noun She strictly avoids dairy products, which can create catarrh problems for singers.
Facsimile /fakˈsɪmᵻli/
fack-SIM-uh-lee		 Latin An exact copy or likeness; an exact counterpart or representation. Noun A facsimile of the world's first computer was exhibited in the museum.
Chrysalis /ˈkrɪsəlɪs/
KRISS-uh-liss		 Latin The state into which the larva of most insects passes before becoming a perfect insect. Noun Watching a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis evokes sheer wonder and curiosity.
Syzygy /ˈsɪzɪdʒi/
SIZ-uh-jee		 Latin The straight-line alignment of three or more celestial bodies, like the Sun, Earth, and Moon during an eclipse or full/new moon Noun During the lunar eclipse, the sun, earth, and moon formed a perfect syzygy.​
Moulage /muːˈlɑːʒ/
moo-LAHZH		 French An impression or cast made for use especially as evidence in a criminal investigation Noun Medical students practiced wound care on a moulage simulating severe burns.
Mastodon /ˈmastədɒn/
MASS-tuh-don

/ˈmastəd(ə)n/
MASS-tuh-duhn		 Latin Any of a number of large extinct mammals, related to and resembling elephants. Noun Fossils of the woolly mastodon were unearthed in the ancient riverbed.
Sulcus /ˈsʌlkəs/
SUL-kuhss		 Latin A groove or furrow in a body, organ, or tissue, for example in the brain Noun The central sulcus divides the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain.
Habiliments /həˈbɪlɪmənts/ French Outfit, equipment, array, attire, dress Noun The knight donned his gleaming habiliments before the tournament.
Reconnaissance /rᵻˈkɒnᵻs(ə)n(t)s/
ruh-KON-uh-suhns		 French The process of getting information about enemy forces or positions by sending out small groups of soldiers or by using aircraft. Noun After a thorough reconnaissance British forces attacked the island.
Cartouche /kɑːˈtuːʃ/
kar-TOOSH		 French A tablet for an inscription or for ornament, representing a sheet of paper with the ends rolled up. Noun The archaeologist deciphered the pharaoh's name from the cartouche on the temple wall.
Insufflator /ˈɪnsʌfleɪtə/ Formed within English, by derivation. An instrument for blowing air into the lungs or for injecting powders into a cavity, a wound. Noun The surgeon used a carbon dioxide insufflator to inflate the abdomen before beginning the procedure.
Requiem /ˈrɛkwiəm/
RECK-wee-uhm

/ˈrɛkwiɛm/
RECK-wee-em		 Of multiple origins: French, Latin A mass said or sung for the repose of the soul of a dead person Noun The choir sang a beautiful requiem for the fallen soldiers, their voices filling the cathedral.
Ballotage /baləˈtɑː(d)ʒ/
bal-uh-TAHJ		 French The second ballot, to decide between the two candidates who have come nearest to obtaining the majority. Noun The French presidential election proceeded to ballotage after neither candidate secured over 50% of the vote.
Impecunious /ɪmpɪˈkjuːnɪəs/
im-puh-KYOO-nee-uhss		 Formed within English, by derivation. Having no money, penniless; in want of money. Adjective The impecunious artist lived in a tiny studio, surviving on borrowed paints .
Word Language of Origin Meaning Parts of Speech Usage in a Sentence
Salubrious /səˈluːbriəs/ (suh-LOO-bree-uhss) A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Favourable or conducive to health. Adjective The salubrious mountain air revived the weary travelers after their long journey.
Odoriferous /ˌəʊdəˈrɪf(ə)rəs/ (oh-duh-RIFF-uh-ruhss) A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. That has or emits a (pleasant or unpleasant) odour; strong-smelling. Adjective The odoriferous spices filled the market, drawing crowds despite the humid air.
Languorous /ˈlaŋɡ(ə)rəs/ (LANG-guh-ruhss) French Mentally or physically tired or not active, in a way that feels or looks pleasant. Adjective The cat stretched out in a languorous pose on the sun-warmed windowsill.
Raptatorial /ˌraptəˈtɔːriəl/ (rap-tuh-TOR-ee-uhl) A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. Describes features or behaviors related to seizing prey, especially adapted grasping limbs like the talons of birds of prey. Adjective The eagle's raptatorial claws effortlessly secured its meal.
Patronymic /ˌpatrəˈnɪmɪk/ (pat-ruh-NIM-ik) Of multiple origins: French, Latin A name derived from that of a father or male ancestor. Noun In the traditional Russian naming system, the middle name often serves as a respectful patronymic.
Sacerdotal /sasəˈdəʊtəl/ (sa-sər-DOH-tl) French Relating to priests; belonging to priests or priesthood. Adjective The temple ceremony had a solemn, sacerdotal atmosphere.
Valetudinary /ˌvalᵻˈtjuːdᵻn(ə)ri/, /ˌvalᵻˈtʃuːdᵻn(ə)ri/ Latin Not in robust or vigorous health; weakly or infirm. Adjective The doctor advised a calm routine for her valetudinary condition.
Rhopalic /rəʊˈpalɪk/ (roh-PAL-ik) Latin A literary structure in which each successive word increases in length. Adjective The poet experimented with a rhopalic structure to build rhythmic effect.
Word Language of Origin Meaning Parts of Speech Usage in a Sentence
Tintinnabulation /ˌtɪntɪnabjʊˈleɪʃən/ tin-tuh-nab-yuh-LAY-shuhn A borrowing from Latin, combined with an English element. A ringing of a bell or bells, bell-ringing or a sound like a bell ringing Noun The tintinnabulation of temple bells filled the morning air.
Spelunker /spɛˈlʌŋkə/ spuh-LUNK-er Formed within English, by derivation. One who explores caves, esp. as a hobby; a caver, Noun Experienced spelunkers learn to navigate underground passages safely.
Concinnate /kənˈsɪnət/ Latin Of language: Skilfully put together, appropriately arranged; of studied elegance or beauty. Adjective The essay was concinnate, with each idea flowing smoothly into the next.
Interregnum /ɪntəˈrɛɡnəm/ in-tuh-REG-nuhm Latin The interval between the close of a monarch's reign and the accession of his or her successor Noun The political interregnum created a vacuum in which old alliances dissolved and new ambitions emerged.
Cantatrice /kantəˈtriːtʃeɪ/ /kɒntəˈtriːs/ kan-truh-TREE-chay Of Multiple origins: Italian, French A female professional singer. Noun The cantatrice received a long applause after her performance.
Deliquesce /ˌdɛlᵻˈkwɛs/ del-uh-KWESS Latin In Chemistry. Of a solid substance (such as certain salts): to melt or become liquid by dissolving spontaneously in moisture absorbed from the air. Verb The sugar began to deliquesce in the damp cupboard.
Bourgeoisie /ˌbʊəʒwɑːˈziː/ boorzh-wah-ZEE /ˌbɔːʒwɑːˈziː/ borzh-wah-ZEE French Originally: the citizenry or freemen of a town or borough in France (or occasionally in other foreign countries). Later more generally: the middle class, esp. the urban middle class Noun During the revolution, the bourgeoisie gained political influence.
Hootenanny /ˈhuːt(ə)nani/ HOO-tuhn-an-ee Of unknown origin. An informal session or concert of folk music and singing. Noun The students organised a hootenanny with guitars and drums.
Tympanum /ˈtɪmpənəm/ TIM-puh-nuhm Latin A drum or similar instrument, as a tambourine or timbrel, also, the stretched membrane of a drum, a drum-head. Noun The musician tightened the skin of the tympanum before the performance.
Digerati /ˌdɪdʒəˈrɑːti/ dij-uh-RAH-tee Formed within English, by compounding. Those people having professional involvement or exceptional expertise in information technology; Noun Journalists sought opinions from the digerati on emerging technologies.
Glissando /ɡlɪˈsandəʊ/ gliss-AN-doh Italian A slurring or sliding effect produced by a musical instrument Noun The pianist ended the piece with a dramatic glissando.
Word Language of Origin Meaning Parts of Speech Usage in a Sentence
Supererogation /ˌsuːpərˌɛrəˈɡeɪʃn/
soo-puhr-err-uh-GAY-shuhn		 Latin That which is more than duty or circumstances require, or more than is needed. Noun Her supererogation in volunteering extra hours earned praise, though it was never demanded of her.
Truculent /ˈtrʌkjᵿlənt/
TRUCK-yuh-luhnt
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/ˈtruːkjᵿlənt/
TROO-kyuh-luhnt		 Latin fierce, cruel, savage, barbarous. Adjective The truculent customer refused to leave, shouting demands at the shopkeeper.
Zugzwang /ˈtsuːktsvaŋ/ German A position in which a chess player is obliged to move but cannot do so without disadvantage. Noun The grandmaster maneuvered his opponent into zugzwang during the endgame, securing victory.
Lammergeyer /ˈlaməˌɡʌɪə/
LAM-uh-gigh-uh		 German The largest European bird of prey, and inhabits lofty mountains in Southern Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Noun The lammergeyer dropped bones from great heights to crack them open for marrow.
Sfumato /sfuːˈmɑːtəʊ/
sfoo-MAH-toh

/sfuːˈmatəʊ/
sfoo-MAT-oh		 Italian The technique of softening outlines and allowing tones and colours to shade gradually into one another. Noun Leonardo da Vinci mastered sfumato in the Mona Lisa, blending her smile into atmospheric mystery.