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quipu

[ kee-poo ] [ ˈki pu ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an ancient Peruvian device used for recording events and accounts

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Why Dictionary.com chose quipu

More about quipu

  • First recorded in 1695–1705.
  • Borrowed from the Spanish quipu and the Quechua khipu, meaning “knot.”

EXAMPLES OF QUIPUÌý

  • The Inca used the quipu, a system of knotted cords, to record agricultural data and census information.
  • Experts believe that quipus may have also been used for storytelling, though much of their meaning remains a mystery.
20240103
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

olid

[ oh-lid ] [ ˈɒlɪd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

foul-smelling

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Why Dictionary.com chose olid

More about olid

  • First recorded in the late 1600s.
  • From the classical LatinÌýolidus, meaning “having an offensive smell.”

EXAMPLES OF OLIDÌý

  • The olid stench from the trash dump made it difficult to breathe.
  • As soon as we opened the old refrigerator, an olid wave of spoiled food hit our noses.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

mettlesome

[ met-l-suhm ] [ ˈmɛt l səm ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

spirited; courageous

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Why Dictionary.com chose mettlesome

More about mettlesome

  • First recorded in 1655–65; combining mettle + -some1.
  • Was used interchangeably with the spelling variant metalsome from the 1660s until the early 18th century.

EXAMPLES OF METTLESOMEÌý

  • The mettlesome team fought until the last second of the football game.
  • The CEO’s mettlesome attitude made her a natural leader in times of crisis.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar