Learn new words daily

fibula

[ ˈfɪbjʊlə ]

The fibula is a long, thin bone located in the lower leg, parallel to the tibia. It serves as a support for the muscles of the lower leg and plays a key role in stabilizing the ankle joint. Although it is not a weight-bearing bone, it provides an attachment point for ligaments and tendons, which are essential for movement and stability. The fibula can also be referred to as the calf bone.

• The fibula is crucial for ankle stability.
• Injuries to the fibula can affect mobility.
• The doctor explained the role of the fibula in leg function.

filbert

[ ˈfɪlbɜrt ]

Filbert is a type of hazelnut and is often associated with sweet and savory dishes. It is a round, smooth nut that has a hard shell. Filberts are commonly used in confections, desserts, and as ingredients in various dishes, especially in European cuisine. Besides their culinary uses, they are also valued for their health benefits as they are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

• I love adding chopped filberts to my salads.
• The chocolate filbert truffles were a hit at the party.
• He roasted filberts for a delicious snack.
• Filbert trees can grow up to 20 feet tall.

impassability

[ ɪmˌpæsəˈbɪlɪti ]

The quality of being impassable, unable to be crossed or traveled through.

• The impassability of the mountain range made it impossible for the hikers to continue their journey.
• Due to the heavy snowfall, the road was closed off, demonstrating its impassability.
• The river's rapid currents and deep waters contributed to its impassability for small boats.

strudel

[ ˈstruːdəl ]

Strudel is a type of layered pastry with a sweet filling, commonly made with fruits like apples or cherries. Originating from Austria, strudel has become a beloved dessert in many countries. The dough is rolled out and thinly stretched, then filled with a mixture of fruit, sugar, and spices before being rolled up and baked to a golden brown. This dessert is often served warm, dusted with powdered sugar and sometimes accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla sauce.

• I enjoyed a slice of apple strudel at the café.
• The chef prepared a cherry strudel for dessert.
• She learned how to make traditional Austrian strudel.
• He ordered a strudel with ice cream on the side.

shammed

[ ʃæmd ]

Shammed is the past tense of the verb 'sham', which means to pretend or give a false appearance of something. It often implies trickery or deceit, suggesting that someone is not being truthful about their intentions or status. In relationships, a person might sham feelings to manipulate another. The term is frequently used in contexts where authenticity is questioned.

• She sham shamelessly to gain sympathy.
• They sham their way into the party.
• He was shammed into thinking he was safe.

chapped

[ tʃæpt ]

Chapped refers to skin that has become dry, cracked, and sore, often due to exposure to cold, dry weather or excessive moisture. This condition commonly affects areas like the lips, hands, and feet. Chapped skin can be uncomfortable and may lead to further irritation if not treated properly. Humidifiers and moisturizers are often recommended to soothe and heal chapped areas.

• My lips are chapped from the cold wind.
• He used lip balm to soothe his chapped lips.
• The chapped skin on her hands became painful after gardening.
• She applied lotion to her chapped feet after the long hike.

overmaster

[ ˌoʊvərˈmæsɾər ]

To overmaster means to gain control or dominance over someone or something in a forceful or overwhelming manner. This term often implies an exertion of power or strength that leaves no room for resistance. Overmastering can occur in both physical confrontations and metaphorical situations, such as in debates or competitions, where one party decisively prevails over another.

• The champion overmastered his opponent in the final round.
• Her charisma seemed to overmaster the crowd during her speech.
• The storm overmastered the small boat in the raging sea.

offensiveness

[ əˈfɛnsɪvnəs ]

Offensiveness refers to the quality or state of being offensive, causing displeasure or resentment. It is the degree to which something is likely to cause offense or provoke a negative reaction.

• The offensiveness of his remarks led to a heated argument.
• She was taken aback by the offensiveness of the joke.
• I was surprised by the offensiveness of his behavior at the party.

yuppy

[ ˈjʌpi ]

A 'yuppy' is a slang term that refers to a young urban professional, typically in their 20s to 30s, who is known for their affluent lifestyle, ambition, and often a degree of materialism. This term became popular in the 1980s, primarily in the United States, as a symbol of a generation focused on wealth and personal success. Yuppies often work in high-paying jobs in industries such as finance, technology, and law. Their lifestyle includes expensive tastes in fashion, dining, and leisure activities, leading to a perception of privilege.

• The yuppy culture thrived in the 1980s.
• Many yuppies sought careers in big cities like New York.
• The yuppy lifestyle is often criticized for its focus on materialism.

wight

[ waɪt ]

A wight is a term that historically refers to a spirit or ghost. It originates from Old English and often describes a supernatural being or entity, particularly in folklore and mythology. Wights are commonly associated with death or an undead presence, often depicted as malevolent or restless spirits that inhabit the earth. In modern fantasy literature, the term is frequently used to refer to various types of undead creatures, including wights in role-playing games and fantasy novels.

• The wight rose from the grave, haunting the village.
• In the story, the hero battles a fearsome wight that terrorizes the lands.
• Legends speak of ancient wights that guard hidden treasures.

flintiest

[ ˈflɪntiɪst ]

The term 'flintiest' describes someone who is extremely tough, unyielding, or very strong-willed. It derives from 'flinty,' which characterizes a person as being emotionally hard, stoic, or cold. Such individuals have a reputation for being particularly abrasive or difficult to engage with on an emotional level. Their demeanor may suggest a lack of softness or compassion, which can make them seem intimidating to others. In literature and conversation, being described as 'the flintiest' can evoke a powerful image of someone who is resilient and unbending in their beliefs or behavior.

• She was known as the flintiest manager in the company.
• His flintiest attitude made it hard for others to connect with him.
• Despite her flintiest exterior, she cared deeply for her friends.
• In the debate, he took on a flintiest stance against his opponent.

solemnized

[ ˈsɑːləmnaɪz ]

To solemnize means to perform a ceremony with formal or ritualistic behavior, especially a wedding ceremony.

• The priest solemnized the marriage of the couple.
• The officiant solemnized the union of the two families.

neatly

[ ˈniːtli ]

Neatly means in a tidy or orderly manner. When something is done neatly, it is arranged or presented in a way that is appealing and well-organized. This term can be applied to physical objects, such as a neatly arranged desk, or to actions, like writing something neatly. Being neat often implies precision and attention to detail.

• She folded the clothes neatly.
• The artist painted the lines neatly.
• He wrote the report neatly to impress his boss.

terrifyingly

[ tɛˈrɪfaɪɪŋli ]

In a manner that causes great fear or terror.

• The horror movie was terrifyingly realistic.
• She looked at him with a terrifyingly cold expression.

pull up

[ ˈpʊl ʌp ]

To move something upwards or to a higher position.

• He pulled up a chair for me to sit on.
• She pulled up the blinds to let in more light.

dramatics

[ drəˈmatɪks ]

The art of dramatics involves the performance of plays, acting out characters, and expressing emotions on stage.

• He studied dramatics in college and later pursued a career in acting.
• The dramatics of the play captivated the audience and left them in awe.

petition

[ pəˈtɪʃ(ə)n ]

A formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority in respect of a particular cause.

• Over 100,000 signatures were collected for the petition to be presented to the government.
• The petition called for better protection of the environment.
• She started a petition to save the local library from closure.

lawyers

[ ˈlɔɪərz ]

Lawyers are professionals who provide legal advice and representation to clients in various legal matters. They are trained in the law and are licensed to practice in a specific jurisdiction. Lawyers can specialize in different areas of law, such as criminal law, civil law, family law, or corporate law.

• Many people hire lawyers to help them with legal issues.
• The lawyer advised his client on the best course of action.
• She is a successful lawyer with a thriving practice.
• The defense lawyer cross-examined the witness in court.
• The lawyer prepared a strong case for the trial.

glared

[ ɡlɛr ]

To glare means to stare in an angry or fierce way. It often conveys disapproval or strong emotions towards someone or something. Glaring is usually accompanied by a tight expression, often involving furrowed brows or narrowed eyes. People might glare at others during disputes, arguments, or situations where they feel offended. The act of glaring can also serve as a non-verbal warning.

• She glared at him for being late.
• The teacher glared at the students who were talking.
• He glared at the referee after the bad call.
• They glared at the rival team from across the field.