WotD Archives – February 2012

February 20th, 2012

Prognosticate /prog-NOS-ti-keyt/
verb
1. To forecast or predict (something future) from present indications or signs; prophesy.
2. To foretoken; presage.

February 17th, 2012

Nocturnal /nok-TUR-nl/
adjective
1. Of or pertaining to the night (opposed to diurnal).
2. Done, occurring, or coming at night.
3. Active at night (opposed to diurnal).
4. Opening by night and closing by day, as certain flowers (opposed to diurnal).

February 16th, 2012

Bailiwick /BEY-luh-wik/
noun
1. The district within which a bailie or bailiff has jurisdiction.
2. A person’s area of skill, knowledge, authority, or work.

February 15th, 2012

Vilipend /vil-UH-pend/
verb
1. To regard or treat as of little value or account.
2. To vilify; depreciate.

February 14th, 2012

Cordate /KAWR-deyt/
adjective
1. Heart-shaped.
2. (Of leaves) heart-shaped, with the attachment at the notched end.

February 10th, 2012

Effusive /ih-FYOO-siv/
adjective
1. Unrestrained or excessive in emotional expression; gushy.
2. Profuse; overflowing.

February 9th, 2012

Adulation /aj-uh-LAY-shun/
noun
1. Excessive or slavish admiration or flattery.

February 8th, 2012

Pedantic /puh-DAN-tik/
adjective
1. Ostentatious in one’s learning.
2. Overly concerned with minute details or formalisms, especially in teaching.

February 7th, 2012

Cacography /ka-KAH-gruh-fee/
noun
1. Bad spelling.
2. Bad handwriting.

February 6th, 2012

Transcendent /tran-SEN-duhnt/
adjective
1. Going beyond ordinary limits; surpassing; exceeding.
2. Superior or supreme.

February 3rd, 2012

Pontificate /pon-TIF-i-keyt/
verb
1. To perform the office or duties of a pontiff.
2. To speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner.

February 1st, 2012

Mercurial /mer-KYOOR-ee-uhl/
adjective
1. Changeable; volatile; fickle; flighty; erratic.
2. animated; lively; sprightly; quick-witted.
3. pertaining to, containing, or caused by the metal mercury.