51吃瓜 of the Day
mugwump
[ muhg-wuhmp ]
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noun
a person who is unable to make up his or her mind on an issue
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Why Dictionary.com chose mugwump
More about mugwump
- First recorded in 1830鈥�35; originally humorously used to mean “an important person.”
- Borrowed from the Massachusett word muggumquomp, meaning “war leader.”
- Used to refer to political party members who refused to support James G. Blaine, a presidential nominee in 1884.
EXAMPLES OF MUGWUMP
- I’m a mugwump when it comes to dessert menus. Don’t make me pick just one.
- The committee stalled again, thanks to yet another mugwump on the city board.
gutta-percha
[ guht-uh-pur-chuh ]
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noun
rubbery substance made from the milky juice of various Malaysian trees
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Why Dictionary.com chose gutta-percha
More about gutta-percha
- First recorded in 1835鈥�45.
- From Malay getah percha, meaning “gum of the percha tree.”
EXAMPLES OF GUTTA-PERCHA
- The dentist used gutta-percha to fill the tooth during the root canal.聽
- The first successful transatlantic cable was insulated with gutta-percha.
laudatory
[ law-duh-tawr-ee ]
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adjective
containing or expressing praise
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Why Dictionary.com chose laudatory
More about laudatory
- First recorded in 1545鈥�55.
- Combines the Latin verb 濒补耻诲腻谤别, meaning “to praise,” + -迟辞谤测鹿.
EXAMPLES OF LAUDATORY
- The magazine published a laudatory article about the actor that read like fan mail.
- She opened the meeting with a few laudatory remarks for the new employee.
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