Tag: word nerd index

Ephemeral means lasting a very short time; transitory. Ephemeral derives from the Greek ephēmeros (lasting a day) , which is made up of epi- (on, upon) and hēmera (day). Ephemeral is an absolutely gorgeous word in pronunciation, spelling and meaning. So many of life's pleasures and beauties are ephemeral, yet their touch, their memory, also… Continue reading Word Nerd: Ephemeral

Litterfall is detritus or dead organic material that has fallen to the ground. Litterfall is the combination of the words litter (a disorderly accumulation of objects) and fall (to drop or descend under the force of gravity). Litterfall is characterized as fresh, undecomposed, and easily recognizable (by species and type) plant debris. Pine cones, leaves,… Continue reading Word Nerd: Litterfall

Xyst is a covered portico, as a promenade (in ancient Greek and Roman architecture) or a garden walk planted with trees (in an ancient Roman villa). Xyst (pronounced zist) first started being used around 1655 or so and derives from the Latin xystus (garden terrace/shaded walk) and the Greek xystós (a covered colonnade). Xyst, besides… Continue reading Word Nerd: Xyst

Sough as a verb means to moan, murmur, or sigh, while Sough as a noun means a sighing, rustling, or murmuring sound. Sough originates with the Old English swōgan (to make a noise), which is kin to the Gothic gaswogjan (to groan). Sough is one of those absolutely lovely descriptive words that I feel should… Continue reading Word Nerd: Sough

Furtive is behaving secretly and quietly to avoid being noticed. Furtive originates with the Latin word fur (thief), which in turn may have originated with the Greek phōr (thief). Furtive was first used in the English language in the early 17th century and it meant "done in a way so as not to be seen".… Continue reading Word Nerd: Furtive

Lackadaisical is a lack of care, spirit, zest, or involvement. Lackadaisical derives from the 17th century use of lackaday, which derives from the longer "alack the day". In the mid-1700s the suffix -ical was added to lackaday and thus lackadaisical was formed. Lackadaisical belongs to a lovely grouping of words that describe a lack of… Continue reading Word Nerd: Lackadaisical