Singularity is a noun that refers to a hypothesized era when machines merge with humanity.

Coming from the Latin singulus (SEEN goo loose) our word of the day is often used simply to mean ‘a separate unit,’ but in the world of science and science fiction, it has a different meaning. It refers to the idea that humanity and machines will merge and become a single entity.

That book discussing the singularity really blew my mind. But then I realized that, with my luck, I’ll probably merge with a toaster and have no greater purpose but to heat up bread.

Ennoble is a verb that means to elevate.

The Latin word nobilis (NO bee lease) means ‘high born.’ This gave birth to the English word ‘noble.’ When we ennoble someone or something, we make them or it ‘noble’ in some sense, meaning we elevate it to a higher status. For example: That was the most brilliant novel I’ve ever read. Making it required reading is the best way to ennoble any classroom.

Vox populi is a noun that refers to the popular opinion.

Our word of the day comes from Latin and its literal translation is ‘the people’s voice.’ It can be used in a political setting or in an everyday manner such as: After our band’s first performance, everybody hated us. So we made this our last performance. As artists, we’ve always believed in following the vox populi.

Discomfiture is a noun that refers to awkwardness or unease.

Coming from Old French, our word of the day is often used as a synonym of words like ‘distress,’ or ‘embarrassment.’ An example is: The sense of discomfiture my dad felt while visiting school was palpable. But looking back, I understand his unease. I would have felt just as uncomfortable wearing those outdated clothes.

Slugabed is a noun that refers to a lazy person who stays in bed late.

The word slug is often used to describe lazy or unmotivated people. Our word of the day combines this word with ‘bed’ to get to a word more specific in its use: For example: James was such a slugabed that he often said his ideal job was one where he could wake up at noon, then get back to sleep an hour later. That’s what I call lazy!

Ductile is an adjective that means flexible.

The Latin word ducere (DOO chair ay) means ‘lead’ — as in the metal. Our word of the day is often used by metalworkers to describe a substance that can be reformed. But ductile can also be also be used metaphorically to describe things other than metal.

For example: At first I didn’t realize how ductile our computer system was. If I had known the system could be used in all kinds of imaginative ways to help the company grow I would have done so from the beginning.

Sojourn is a noun that refers to a temporary stay. It is also a verb that means to temporarily stay somewhere.

Our word of the day once referred to being under a particular rule for a day. It combines the Latin prefix S-U-B (meaning ‘under’) with the Latin word diurnum (dee YOOR noom) meaning ‘day.’

Over time the meaning has shifted slightly to mean ‘a daily or short stay.’

After my sojourn to Italy, I felt a great deal better. There’s something about a brief vacation under the Mediterranean sun that gives life a sense of clarity.

Whinge is a verb that means to whine or complain. It can also be used as a noun that refers to the act of complaining.

Coming from Old English, our word of the day is a synonym of words like ‘whine,’ ‘grumble’ or ‘gripe.’ Here’s an example of it in use: My job at the rattlesnake farm can be laborious and at time, dangerous, but I won’t whinge about my employment today. I’m sure all of the people out of work don’t want to hear me gripe about having a bad job.

Denude is a verb that means to strip of possessions.

The Latin word nudus (NEW doos) means ‘naked’ or ‘nude.’ To denude something or someone is to strip them — but not necessarily of clothes. The word is frequently used to describe the process of stripping someone of property or possessions.

For example: When I went bankrupt, I lost everything. It’s horrific that they could denude me of my home and all my possessions overnight.

Curative is an adjective that means able to remedy a condition and a noun that refers to something that remedies a condition.

The Latin word curare (coo RAHR ay) means ‘care’ or ‘cure.’ The word has evolved into English to mean ‘relating to cures.’ Our word of the day is generally used to described things used to cure ailments. For example: I enjoyed the hot dogs the guys in my frat house made for me when I had the flu, but I was dubious of the curative powers they insisted the frankfurters possessed. After eating them I felt just as sick as I had before.