51吃瓜 of the Day
maelstrom
[ meyl-struhm ]
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noun
a restless, disordered, or tumultuous state of affairs
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Why Dictionary.com chose maelstrom
More about maelstrom
- First used in English between 1550鈥�60.
- From old Dutch mal(en), “to grind” + stroom, “stream.” See meal2, stream.
- The sense of “powerful whirlpool” has been in use since the 1580s. The figurative meaning, obtained from the sense that the whirlpool would suck in ships and create chaos and turbulence, is attested since the 1830s.
EXAMPLES OF MAELSTROM
- The country was caught in a political maelstrom, with protests erupting in every major city.
- The sudden economic downturn created a financial maelstrom that affected businesses worldwide.
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
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Why Dictionary.com chose splendiferous
More about splendiferous
- First recorded between 1425鈥�75.
- Late Middle English from Late Latin 蝉辫濒别苍诲艒谤颈蹿别谤, “brightness-bearing,” see splendor, -fer, -ous.
EXAMPLES OF SPLENDIFEROUS
- The holiday decorations around the city were splendiferous, creating a magical and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.
- The chef prepared a splendiferous feast, with every dish more delicious and beautifully presented than the last.
clepsydra
[ klep-si-druh ]
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noun
an ancient device for measuring time by the regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture
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Why Dictionary.com chose clepsydra
More about clepsydra
- First used in English between 1640鈥�50.
- Latinized form of the Greek 办濒别辫蝉媒诲谤补, from 办濒茅辫迟别颈苍, “to steal, conceal” + hydra, “water.” Cf. kleptomania and kleptocracy.
EXAMPLES OF CLEPSYDRA
- The 肠濒别辫蝉测诲谤补鈥檚 steady drip of water provided a reliable method for tracking time in ancient civilizations.
- The ancient Greeks employed a clepsydra to time speeches during their legislative assemblies.
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