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abraxas

[ uh-brak-suhs ] [ əˈbræk səs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a word of unknown significance found on charms, especially amulets, of the late Greco-Roman world

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Why Dictionary.com chose abraxas

More about abraxas

  • First recorded in 1710–20.
  • Borrowed directly from the French abraxas, for an amulet inscribed with the word.
  • From the Post-classical LatinÌýAbraxas, ruler of the 365 heavens. Its letters in Greek add up to 365 — representing the full cycle of time and linking Abraxas as a ruler over all aspects of creation and the cosmic order.

EXAMPLES OF ABRAXAS

  • Ancient magicians and healers often incorporated the word abraxas into their spells and rituals to invoke supernatural forces.
  • Scholars have long debated the meaning of abraxas, which appears frequently on charms and talismans from the Greco-Roman period.
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disabuse

[ dis-uh-byooz ] [ ˌdɪs əˈbyuz ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to free (a person) from deception or error

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Why Dictionary.com chose disabuse

More about disabuse

EXAMPLES OF DISABUSEÌý

  • I had to disabuse my friend of the idea that traveling alone is always dangerous, sharing my own positive experiences.
  • The coach disabused the team of the notion that success comes without hard work and dedication.
20240103
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yarmulke

[ yah-muh-kuh ] [ ˈyɑ mə kə ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a skullcap worn by people of the Jewish faith

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Why Dictionary.com chose yarmulke

More about yarmulke

  • First recorded in 1845–50.
  • From the Yiddish yarmolke; possibly from the post-classical LatinÌýalmucia or almutia,Ìýmeaning “hood, cape.”

EXAMPLES OF YARMULKE

  • At the bar mitzvah, all the male guests were given a yarmulke to wear during the ceremony.
  • During the wedding, the groom wore a white yarmulke that matched his suit.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar