Wiktionary:Word of the day/Archive/2021/December

2021
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1

2

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tech-savvy adj

(informal) Proficient in the use of technology, especially computers. Today is World Computer Literacy Day, which was launched by Indian company NIIT to encourage the development of computing skills, especially among women and children in India.

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3

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under one's own steam prepositional phrase

(nautical, rail transport) Of the movement of a locomotive or a watercraft: by means of the power of its own engines (originally steam engines), rather than pulled or pushed by another vehicle. (idiomatic, figuratively) Using one's own resources; independently, unaided. At one's own initiative; of one's own accord, unbidden, unprompted. Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is recognized by the United Nations to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

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4

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clayey adj

Composed of clay or containing (much) clay; clayish. Covered or dirtied with clay. Resembling clay; claylike, clayish. (figuratively) Of the human body, as contrasted with the soul; bodily, human, mortal. Today is the eve of World Soil Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to highlight the importance of soil as a vital part of nature and a contributor to human well-being.

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5

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comfort food n (originally US)

Simple, comforting home-cooked-style food associated with one's formative years, often a staple of diners and other informal restaurants. Food, often high in carbohydrates or sugar, consumed to feel comfort or alleviate stress rather than to receive nutrition. Today is National Comfort Food Day in the United States, an informal holiday created by the American food blogger John-Bryan Hopkins.

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6

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uproot v

(transitive) To tear up (a plant, etc.) by the roots, or as if by the roots; to extirpate, to root up. (figuratively) To destroy (something) utterly; to eradicate, exterminate. (figuratively) To remove (someone or something) from a familiar circumstance, especially suddenly and unwillingly. (intransitive, reflexive) Of oneself or someone: to move away from a familiar environment (for example, to live elsewhere). [...] (transitive) Of a pig or other animal: to dig up (something in the ground) using the snout; to rummage for (something) in the ground; to grub up, to root, to rout.

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7

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euouae n (music)

In medieval music, a mnemonic for the Latin words saeculōrum and āmēn (from “ […] in saecula saeculōrum. Āmēn.” from the Gloria Patri doxology), used in liturgical works to indicate how the words should be sung with various cadences. (by extension) A cadence used to sing those words of the Gloria Patri.

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8

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moist adj

Characterized by the presence of moisture; not dry; slightly wet; damp. Of eyes: wet with tears; tearful; also (obsolete), watery due to some illness or to old age. Of a climate, the weather, etc.: damp, humid, rainy. [...] (medicine) Characterized by the presence of some fluid such as mucus, pus, etc. Of sounds of internal organs (especially as heard through a stethoscope): characterized by the sound of air bubbling through a fluid. (sciences, historical) Pertaining to one of the four essential qualities formerly believed to be present in all things, characterized by wetness; also, having a significant amount of this quality. (obsolete) Fluid, liquid, watery. (also poetic) Bringing moisture or rain. moist n (obsolete except US, regional) Moistness; also, moisture. moist v (transitive) (obsolete except British, regional and US) To make (something) moist or wet; to moisten. (obsolete, figuratively) To inspire, to refresh (someone); also, to soften (one's heart). (intransitive) (US) To rain lightly; to drizzle. (obsolete) To have an effect of moistening or wetting.

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9

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extimate adj

(obsolete, rare) Most distant or faraway; outermost, uttermost. [...] (psychology) In the works of Jacques Lacan: simultaneously external and intimate.

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10

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human rights n (plural only)

(international law) The set of basic rights and freedoms that all humans should be guaranteed, including the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and expression, and equality before the law. Today is Human Rights Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to emphasize the importance of human rights and to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first global enunciation of such rights, on this day in 1948.

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11

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gulag n

(historical) Also GULAG: the system of all Soviet labour camps and prisons in use, especially during the Stalinist period (1930s–1950s). (by extension) A prison camp, especially one used to hold political prisoners. (also figuratively) A place where, or political system in which, people with dissident views are routinely oppressed. gulag v (transitive, informal, also figuratively) To compel (someone) into a forced labour camp or a similar place of confinement or exile. The Russian author and dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who spent eight years in the gulag system and later wrote The Gulag Archipelago (first published 1973), was born on this day in 1918.

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12

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superspreader n

(epidemiology) A person infected with a pathogen who is responsible for spreading it to many other people. (also attributively) An event or place which leads to the spread of an infectious disease to many people. (by extension) A person or thing responsible for the widespread distribution of something regarded as dangerous or undesirable (for example, misinformation). Today is International Universal Health Coverage Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to emphasize that everybody should have access to good quality, affordable health care. It is also a year and nine months since the World Health Organization declared the current outbreak of COVID-19 to be a pandemic on 11 March 2020.

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13

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hippic adj

Relating to horses or horse-riding. (humorous, dated) Relating to horse racing. Today is celebrated by some people in the United States as the National Day of the Horse, which recognizes the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the country.

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14

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flagon n

A large vessel resembling a jug, usually with a handle, lid, and spout, for serving drinks such as cider or wine at a table; specifically (Christianity), such a vessel used to hold the wine for the ritual of Holy Communion. A flagon and its contents; as much as fills such a vessel. (archaic) A large bottle for drinks such as beer, cider, or wine; also, a bottle with a cap used by travellers. The amount that such a bottle holds, about 1.13 litres.

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15

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yoke v

(transitive) To join (several draught animals) together with a yoke; also, to fasten a yoke (on one or more draught animals) to pull a cart, plough, etc.; or to attach (a cart, plough, etc.) to a draught animal. To put (one's arm or arms) around someone's neck, waist, etc.; also, to surround (someone's neck, waist, etc.) with one's arms. To put (something) around someone's neck like a yoke; also, to surround (someone's neck) with something. (historical) To place a collar on the neck of (a conquered person or prisoner) to restrain movement. (agriculture) To place a frame on the neck of (an animal such as a cow, pig, or goose) to prevent passage through a fence or other barrier. (figuratively) To bring (two or more people or things) into a close relationship (often one that is undesired); to connect, to link, to unite. (obsolete) To bring into or keep (someone) in bondage or a state of submission; to enslave; to confine, to restrain; to oppress, to subjugate. (chiefly Scotland, archaic, passive voice) To be joined to (another person) in wedlock (often with the implication that it is a burdensome state); to be or become married to (someone). (intransitive) To be or become connected, linked, or united in a relationship; to have dealings with. (chiefly Scotland, obsolete) To be or become joined in wedlock; to be married, to wed. yoke n Senses relating to a frame around the neck. A bar or frame by which two oxen or other draught animals are joined at their necks enabling them to pull a cart, plough, etc.; (by extension) a device attached to a single draught animal for the same purpose. Any of various linking or supporting objects that resembles a yoke (sense 1.1); a crosspiece, a curved bar, etc. A pole carried on the neck and shoulders of a person, used for carrying a pair of buckets, etc., one at each end of the pole; a carrying pole. (aviation) Any of various devices with crosspieces used to control an aircraft; specifically, the control column. (video games) A similar device used as a game controller. (bodybuilding) Well-developed muscles of the neck and shoulders. (clothing) The part of an item of clothing which fits around the shoulders or the hips from which the rest of the garment hangs, and which is often distinguished by having a double thickness of material, or decorative flourishes. [...] (historical) A collar placed on the neck of a conquered person or prisoner to restrain movement. (agriculture) A frame placed on the neck of an animal such as a cow, pig, or goose to prevent passage through a fence or other barrier. (Ancient Rome) Chiefly in pass under the yoke: a raised yoke (sense 1.1), or a symbolic yoke formed from two spears installed upright in the ground with another spear connecting their tops, under which a defeated army was made to march as a sign of subjugation. [...] Senses relating to quantities, and other extended uses. (chiefly Kent, archaic) An area of arable land, specifically one consisting of a quarter of a suling, or around 50–60 acres (20–24 hectares); hence, a small manor or piece of land. (chiefly England, regional (especially Kent), and Scotland, historical) An amount of work done with draught animals, lasting about half a day; (by extension) an amount or shift of any work. (figuratively) From sense 1.1: a bond of love, especially marriage; also, a bond of friendship or partnership; an obligation or task borne by two or more people. From sense 1.3.1: something which oppresses or restrains a person; a burden.

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16

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bakkie n (Namibia, South Africa)

A small bowl or container, sometimes with a cover such as a Tupperware container. (road transport) A small pick-up truck or ute, generally open and sometimes fitted with a removable canopy, but distinct from an enclosed van and a large truck. Today is the Day of Reconciliation in South Africa, which aims to foster reconciliation and national unity for the country.

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17

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flemish v

(transitive, nautical) Often followed by down: to arrange (a rope) into a neat, flat spiral coil. flemish n (nautical) Short for Flemish coil (“a rope that has been arranged into a neat, flat spiral coil”).

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18

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baba ganoush n

A Middle Eastern (originally Lebanese) dish made from a purée of roasted aubergine (eggplant), garlic, and tahini, often eaten as a dip with bread. Today is UN Arabic Language Day, one of six such days established by UNESCO to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity and to promote the equal use of its working languages.

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19

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mellow adj

(also figuratively) Of fruit: soft or tender by reason of ripeness; having a tender pulp. (also figuratively) Of food or drink, or its flavour: matured and smooth, and not acidic, harsh, or sharp. Of soil: soft and easily penetrated or worked; not hard or rigid; loamy. (chiefly poetic) Of leaves, seeds, etc., of plants: mature; of crops: ready to be harvested; ripe. Of a place, or the climate or weather: fruitful and warm. (figuratively) Of colour, sound, style, etc.: not coarse, brash, harsh, or rough; delicate, rich, soft, subdued. Senses relating to a person or their qualities. Well-matured from age or experience; not impetuous or impulsive; calm, dignified, gentle. Cheerful, genial, jovial, merry; also, easygoing, laid-back, relaxed. Drunk, intoxicated; especially slightly or pleasantly so, or to an extent that makes one cheerful and friendly. (chiefly US, slang) Pleasantly high or stoned, and relaxed after taking drugs; also, of drugs: slightly intoxicating and tending to produce such effects. (chiefly African-American Vernacular, slang) Pleasing in some way; excellent, fantastic, great. mellow n The property of being mellow; mellowness. (specifically) A comfortable or relaxed mood. (African-American Vernacular) Also main mellow: a close friend or lover. mellow v (transitive) To cause (fruit) to become soft or tender, specifically by ripening. To cause (food or drink, for example, cheese or wine, or its flavour) to become matured and smooth, and not acidic, harsh, or sharp. (archaic except British, regional) To soften (land or soil) and make it suitable for planting in. (figuratively) To reduce or remove the harshness or roughness from (something); to soften, to subdue, to tone down. To cause (a person) to become calmer, gentler, and more understanding, particularly from age or experience. (chiefly passive voice) To cause (a person) to become slightly or pleasantly drunk or intoxicated. (also reflexive, originally US, informal) Followed by out: to relax (a person); in particular, to cause (a person) to become pleasantly high or stoned by taking drugs. (intransitive) Of food or drink, or its flavour: to mature and lose its harshness or sharpness. (archaic except British, regional) Of soil: to be rendered soft and suitable for planting in. (figuratively) To lose harshness; to become gentler, subdued, or toned down. (originally US, informal) Followed by out: of a person: to relax; in particular, to become pleasantly high or stoned by taking drugs.

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20

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jobsworth n

(chiefly British, derogatory, informal) A minor official or worker who refuses to be flexible in the application of rules to help a client or customer.

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21

22

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beseem v (transitive, intransitive, archaic)

Generally with a qualifying word such as ill or well: to appear, look, or seem (a certain way for someone or something). Without any qualifying word: to be appropriate or creditable (for someone or something).

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23

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pamphlet n

A small, brief printed work, consisting either of a folded sheet of paper, or several sheets bound together into a booklet with only a paper cover, formerly containing literary compositions, newsletters, and newspapers, but now chiefly informational matter. (specifically) Such a work containing political material or discussing matters of controversy. (obsolete) A brief handwritten work. pamphlet v (transitive) To distribute pamphlets (to someone or some place). (archaic) To write about (someone or something) in a pamphlet; to issue (some material) in the form of a pamphlet. (intransitive) To distribute pamphlets. (obsolete, rare) To write or produce pamphlets.

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24

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muddle through v

(transitive, intransitive) To succeed (often clumsily) despite being ill-equipped or inadequately trained. “Someday soon we all will be together / If the fates allow. / Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow. / So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.” – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1943).

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25

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tinsel n

(obsolete) A shining fabric used for ornamental purposes. A silk or wool fabric with gold or silver thread woven into it; brocade. A very thin, gauzelike cloth with gold or silver (or, later, copper) thread woven into it, or overlaid with thin metal plates. (by extension) A thin, shiny foil for ornamental purposes which is of a material made of metal or resembling metal; especially, narrow glittering strips of such a material, often strung on to thread, and traditionally at Christmastime draped on Christmas trees, hung from balustrades or ceilings, or wrapped around objects as a decoration. (figuratively) Anything shining and gaudy; especially something superficially shiny and showy, or having a false lustre, and more pretty than valuable. tinsel adj (obsolete) Of fabric: ornamented by being woven with gold or silver thread, or overlaid with thin metal plates; brocaded. (by extension) (obsolete) Glittering. (figuratively) Apparently beautiful and costly but having little value; superficially attractive; gaudy, showy, tawdry. tinsel v (transitive) To adorn (something) with tinsel. (also figuratively) To ornament (fabric, etc.) by weaving into it thread of gold, silver, or some other shiny material. (by extension) To deck out (a place or something) with showy but cheap ornaments; to make gaudy. (figuratively) To give (something) a false or superficial attractiveness. [...] Merry Christmas from all of us at the English Wiktionary!

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26

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cakes and ale n (plural only) (idiomatic, British, dated)

The simple material pleasures of life. Lively fun and merrymaking. Today is celebrated as Boxing Day in many countries. It was originally a day on which gifts and money were given to the poor or those in service positions.

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27

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insurrection n (also figuratively)

(uncountable) The action of part or all of a national population violently rising up against the government or other authority; (countable) an instance of this; a revolt, an uprising; specifically, one that is at an initial stage or limited in nature. Today is Narodowy Dzień Zwycięskiego Powstania Wielkopolskiego (National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising), a new public holiday established this year commemorating the Greater Poland uprising which began on this date in 1918.

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28

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ravel v

(transitive) To entwine or tangle (something) confusedly; to entangle. (also figuratively) Often followed by up: to form (something) out of discrete elements, like weaving fabric from threads; to knit. To unwind (a reel of thread, a skein of yarn, etc.); to pull apart (cloth, a seam, etc.); to fray, to unpick, to unravel; also, to pull out (a string of yarn, a thread, etc.) from a piece of fabric, or a skein or reel. (figuratively) To confuse or perplex (someone or something). (archaic) Often followed by out: to undo the intricacies of (a problem, etc.); to clarify, to disentangle. (obsolete) To destroy or ruin (something), like unravelling fabric. (programming) In the APL programming language: to reshape (a variable) into a vector. (intransitive) Often followed by out: of a reel of thread or skein of yarn; or a thread on a reel or a string of yarn in a skein, etc.: to become untwisted or unwound. (also figuratively) Often followed by out: of clothing, fabric, etc.: to become unwoven; to fray, to unravel. (archaic or obsolete) To become entangled or snarled. ravel n (chiefly literary or Scotland) A tangled mess; an entanglement, a snarl, a tangle. (figuratively) A confusing, intricate, or perplexing situation; a complication. (also figuratively) A thread which has unravelled from fabric, etc.; also, a situation of fabric, etc., coming apart; an unravelling. The French composer, conductor, and pianist Maurice Ravel, whose music was associated with impressionism (though he rejected this label), died on this day in 1937.

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29

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underfiring n

Intentional operation of a boiler, furnace, oven, etc., at a low level. The state of not burning fuel at the desired level, and thus not providing heat efficiently. (also attributively) Heating from below. (ceramics) The state of being insufficiently fired or underfired.

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30

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fighting fit adj

(UK) Sufficiently fit to participate in fighting; hence, in top physical condition. The television personality and retired professional boxer Laila Ali, widely regarded as one of the greatest female boxers of all time, was born on this day in 1977.

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31

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last mile n (idiomatic, often attributively)

(logistics, transport) The final stage of delivery of goods, etc., from a distribution centre to the consumer, often involving greater effort or expense. (telecommunications) The portion of the infrastructure that carries communication signals from the main system to the end user's business or home, often involving greater expense to install and maintain, and lower transmission speeds. Happy New Year’s Eve from all of us at the English Wiktionary!

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