Docent is a noun that refers to a guide in a museum, gallery or zoo.

The Latin word docere (doe SAIR ay) means ‘to teach.’ Our word of the day can sometimes be used to describe a member of the teaching staff immediately below professorial rank. It can also be used to refer to a guide. Here’s an example of the latter.

In the gallery, the docent explained to us that Jackson’s Pollock’s paintings were supposed to look that way. If it weren’t for those well-versed guides at the gallery, I’d still think that guy just wasn’t very good.