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spancel

[ span-suhl ] [ ˈspæn səl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a rope used to prevent an animal from straying

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Why Dictionary.com chose spancel

More about spancel

  • Recorded in 1600–10.
  • From the low German spannen, “to stretch.” See ²õ±è²¹²Ô².

EXAMPLES OF SPANCEL 

  • The farmer secured the cow with a spancel to keep it from wandering into the neighbor’s field.
  • In the pastures, the spancel allowed the animals to graze without running off.
20240103
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

canoodle

[ kuh-nood-l ] [ kəˈnud l ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to caress or pet amorously

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Why Dictionary.com chose canoodle

More about canoodle

  • Recorded in 1855–60; perhaps formed by combining caress + noodle².
  • Meaning “political manipulation” in earlier uses via Southern U.S. newspapers.

EXAMPLES OF CANOODLE

  • The happy couple canoodled in the coffee shop despite glances from other customers about their public show of affection.
  • I saw them canoodling on the park bench, wrapped in each other’s embrace.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

incandescent

[ in-kuhn-des-uhnt ] [ ˌɪn kənˈdɛs ənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

intensely bright; brilliant

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Why Dictionary.com chose incandescent

More about incandescent

  • First recorded in 1785–95, combining the prefix ¾±²Ô-¹ +Ìýcandescent, meaning glowing.
  • Borrowed directly from French and ultimately from the Latin incandescere, meaning to become warm, glow.

EXAMPLES OF INCANDESCENT 

  • The bride admired the incandescent sparkle of her diamond ring in the sunlight.
  • The incandescent flames of the campfire flickered in the night as the campers roasted marshmallows.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar