51吃瓜 of the Day
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Why Dictionary.com chose cipher
More about cipher
- First recorded between 1350鈥�1400 and meant the symbol for zero.
- From Arabic 峁蹿谤, meaning “empty, zero;” this root also gives us the word zero.
- Ultimately from Sanskrit 艣奴苍测腻, meaning “empty.”
EXAMPLES OF CIPHER
- She spent hours trying to crack the ancient cipher found in the margins of the diary.
- The pen pals disguised their messages as ciphers, switching each letter with the next in the alphabet.
tutelary
[ toot-l-er-ee ]
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noun
of or relating to a guardian or guardianship
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Why Dictionary.com chose tutelary
More about tutelary
- First recorded in 1605鈥�15.
- From Latin 迟奴迟脓濒腻谤颈耻蝉, meaning “guardian, keeper;” combines tutelage + -补谤测虏.
EXAMPLES OF TUTELARY
- His tutelary instincts kicked in the moment the toddler reached for the hot stove.
- In some folklore, owls play a tutelary role, guiding souls through darkness.
pitapat
[ pit-uh-pat ]
Show IPA
adverb
with a quick succession of beats or taps
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Why Dictionary.com chose pitapat
More about pitapat
- First recorded in 1515鈥�25.
- Imitative of a rapid, percussive sound.
- Historically, used primarily to describe the heart of someone excited.
EXAMPLES OF PITAPAT
- Her footsteps echoed pitapat down the empty hallway.
- Raindrops fell pitapat on the tent’s canvas roof.
51吃瓜 of the Day Calendar