Moil is a verb that means to work hard. Moil can also be used as a noun that refers to ‘hard work.’

Our word of the day comes from the Latin word molis (MOW lease) which means ‘soft.’ As the word evolved into English, its meaning shifted to ‘hard work.’

My grandfather had to moil for many years in a coal mine. I’m happy that all that hard word paid off with a successful family.

Hypethral is an adjective that means ‘having no roof or open to the sky.’

The Greek prefix H-Y-P-O means ‘under.’ When combined with the Greek word aither (EYE there) which means ‘air,’ we get a word that means under the air or heavens.

I’m not sure whose brilliant idea it was to build a hypethral arena in Seattle, but they must not have been aware of the weather here. Having a roof would actually be a good idea in a place that rains all the time.

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Taproot is a noun that refers to ‘the place of future development or growth.’

When used literally, a taproot simply refers to a root from a tree that grows vertically downward and creates more, smaller roots. Metaphorically, it can mean a place where growth has taken place.

For example: That section of town became a taproot for business in the city. After few businesses succeeded, others flocked there and also succeeded.

Limn is a verb that means ‘to describe in words.’

The Latin word illuminare (ee loom in ARE ay) means ’to shine.’ It’s related to English words like ‘illuminate.’ When we illuminate something in a literal sense, we shine light on it. We when do so figuratively, we describe it or bring it to life. That’s how our word of the day came to have its meaning.

Because I couldn’t quite limn the strange pain in my abdomen to the doctor, it took a while to discover its source. This is why communication with health professionals is very important.

Hortatory is an adjective that means ‘tending to exhort.’

Coming from the Latin word hortari (hor TAR ay) which means ‘to exhort’ or ‘strongly encourage,’ hortatory is often used in a religious context to refer to someone delivering a sermon. When a message is conveyed in a way that is similar to a sermon, we can call it hortatory.

Ryan’s hortatory speech about the Federal Reserve made me want to put a twenty in a collection plate for the government. But I guess that’s what happens when you seem to be delivering a sermon.

Esurient is an adjective that means ‘hungry’ or ‘greedy.’

The Latin word esurire (ess oo EAR ay) means ‘to hunger.’ After evolving into our word of the day, its meaning has shifted a little and esurient is usually used metaphorically to refer to ‘greed.’

For example: Brad’s esurient approach to life has often led to some unscrupulous behavior. He proves that greed can often be a gateway to prison.

Telos is a noun that refers to an ultimate goal or aim.

Our word of the day comes directly from a Greek word that translates to ‘the ultimate end.’

Harlan was only working in our office as a way to gain experience to start a business that later became our competition. We may not have agreed with his telos, but we were glad to have him with us for a few years.

Generative is an adjective that means ‘able to produce.’

Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word generare (jen air ARE ay) which means ‘to beget’ or ‘to generate.’ If something can be described as generative, it produces or creates something.

I wasn’t aware of the generative powers of our company until I watched things grow over time. It’s a gratifying feeling to know you’re a part of something so productive

Prefigure is a verb that means ‘to be an early indication of something.’

The Latin word figurare (fee goo ARE ay) means ‘to typify.’ By adding the prefix P-R-E, we get something that means ‘to typify or embody in advance.’

An example of our word of the day in use is: Robin’s poor performance on the test seemed to prefigure her inability to keep up with others. She also couldn’t keep up with others in the classroom.