Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
a mass of trees or shrubs
A boscage refers to a dense grouping of trees or shrubs, often used to describe a picturesque or secluded part of a garden or forest. The word comes from Old French, evoking the charm of leafy hideaways and verdant nooks. Whether in literature or real life, boscage captures the allure of nature's quiet corners.
A thick boscage bordered the winding river, providing a haven for various birds and small animals.
staircase railing
A balustrade is the elegant railing that lines a staircase, balcony, or terrace — both a safety feature and a decorative flourish. The word refers not just to the handrail itself, but also to the series of posts beneath it that are often carved or shaped with care. Why settle for a basic railing when you could have a beautiful balustrade?
The kitten loved hiding behind the balustrade and sticking its paws out when someone came near.
lying down; crouching; reclining
Couchant describes a figure at rest, usually lying down or otherwise reclining. The word is often used for resting animals illustrated on family emblems or crests, suggesting calm without surrender. Whether you're describing a relaxed pose or a quiet readiness, couchant adds elegance to stillness.
The couchant lion lay still in the tall grass, waiting patiently for its prey.
extreme frugality or stinginess
Parsimony takes thrift to the extreme. It's not just budgeting; it's clinging to each penny with white-knuckled intensity. While the word can appear in economic or scientific contexts, it often carries a sharp edge when applied to human behavior. Whether it's praised as prudence or criticized as stinginess, parsimony always holds on tight.
She mistook his careful budgeting for parsimony, not realizing he was saving for his dream vacation.
to flash or dart like lightning
To fulgurate is to flash or dart with sudden brilliance. Derived from the Latin word for "lightning," the word can capture electrifying bursts of movement, energy, or sensation. Whether it's a spark from a struck match or a flash of inspiration, when something fulgurates, it grabs your attention.
Lightning began to fulgurate in the distance as the storm approached.
