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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.
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

samhainophobia

[ sou-win-uh-foh-bee-uh ] [ ˌsɑʊ wɪn əˌˈfoʊ bi ə ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an abnormal or extreme fear of Halloween

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Why Dictionary.com chose samhainophobia

More about samhainophobia

  • Named for the ancient Celtic festival samhain, from the Old Irish samain, literally “summer’s end” and combined with phobia, “intense fear.”

EXAMPLES OF SAMHAINOPHOBIA

  • The child’s samhainophobia is so severe that he refuses to leave the house during October, fearing the costumes and decorations.
  • During the Halloween season, many people with samhainophobia may isolate themselves to avoid the holiday’s triggers.
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

unceremoniously

[ uhn-ser-uh-moh-nee-uhs-lee ] [ ˌʌn sɛr əˈmoʊ ni əs li ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adverb

in a way that seems rudely abrupt or hasty

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Why Dictionary.com chose unceremoniously

More about unceremoniously

  • First recorded in 1750–60, combining unceremonious + -ly.
  • The adjective form was first noted in the writing of poet George Chapman.

EXAMPLES OF UNCEREMONIOUSLY

  • The employee was unceremoniously dismissed from his job, receiving no explanation.
  • They abandoned their camping plans unceremoniously when it started to storm.
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar