Rebus is a noun that refers to a representation of a word using pictures or symbols.

In Latin, rebus is the plural of res (RACE) meaning ‘thing’ or ‘object.’ This later came to refer to the objects that appear in ancient writing such as hieroglyphics. But it may also refer to more recent puzzle games where players try to guess a word by glancing at objects.

Being a very visual person, I love playing rebus games. It’s always challenging to guess a word’s meaning from visual clues.

Derogate is a verb that means to belittle or disparage.

Derogate’s roots are similar to that of the word derogatory, which means ‘showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.’ Both words are derived from the Latin derogare (dare oh GAR ay) meaning ‘to detract.’ But derogate is a more appropriate word when looking for a verb instead of an adjective. For example: I hope Lester didn’t feel I was trying to belittle his contribution to the company. My intention was to encourage him to do better, not to derogate him.

Brio is a noun that means enthusiasm or vigor.

Our word of the day is what is known as a loan word, meaning ‘a word adopted from a foreign language with little or no modification.’ Brio is from Italian, and in English it maintains its meaning of ‘vivacity’ or ‘enthusiasm.’

The band director felt I my performance was flat and unenthusiastic. He encouraged me to bring more brio into my playing.

Herculean is an adjective that means requiring great strength.

Those familiar with Greek mythology may have heard of the son of Zeus named Hercules known for his extraordinary strength. Our word of the day is often used to describe a task that requires such extraordinary strength, for example: I wasn’t prepared for how heavy Martha’s harp was. After trying to lift it, I soon discovered what a herculean task it was.

Endogenous is an adjective that means originating from within.

The Greek prefix E-N-D-O means ‘from within.’ And Genous (JEN ose) means ‘producing.’ Endogenous is frequently — but not exclusively — used in a scientific or medical context.

The patient didn’t seem to pick up the illness from any outside sources. So we surmised that an endogenous virus was the cause.

Atrophy is a noun that refers to a wasting away. It can also serve as a verb that means ‘to waste away.’

The literal translation of our word of the day, from the Greeks is ‘lack of nourishment.’ But in more recent years, atrophy often takes on a more metaphorical meaning that has nothing to do with actual food. A person’s muscles can atrophy if they haven’t been used for a while and the same can happen to job skills that have been dormant.

As a kid I spoke fluent Italian. But it’s been so long since I’ve spoken any of the language that my Italian has atrophied a great deal.

Excursus is a noun that refers to a digression on a particular point.

From Latin, we get the word excurrere (EKS coo air ay) which refers to a digression. Our word of the day has undergone a number of changes, but its meaning remains the same. Don’t be put off by the formal sound of excursus. It’s a perfect word to use when talking about something written or expressed by a formal lecturer or writer.

Professor Mitchel’s history lecture was lovely except for the excursus about president Cleveland’s policies. That kind of lengthy digression on politics can often be a distraction.

Inveterate is an adjective that means stubbornly established by habit.

The Latin word vetus (VAY toos) means ‘old.’ In the past, our word of the day was simply a synonym of ‘long-standing’ or ‘old,’ but in more recent years, its meaning has shifted to refer to something that remains around because of habit.

Shaking hands when meeting someone is an inveterate gesture in our society. But the centuries of habit that created this custom has not been as common in other cultures, which is why some third world countries find this greeting strange.

De rigueur is an adjective that means required by custom or etiquette.

Coming directly from French, de rigueur’s literal translation is ‘of strictness,’ but a better way to understand it is to think of it as meaning ‘according to obligation or convention.’

There was a time when wearing a hat in public was de rigueur for men. There was really no reason for this except for social custom.

Devolve is a verb that means to transfer or be passed on to another.

Our word of the day is often thought of as the opposite of the word evolve, and it is true that, like evolve, its origin is in the Latin word volvere (VOL vair ay) meaning ‘rolling.’ The addition of the prefix D-E, meaning ‘down’ gets us a word that means ‘rolling down.’ So devolve may mean ‘to degenerate through change or evolution.’ And it also refers to a right or responsibility that ‘rolls down’ from one person to the next. For example: Handling the Johnson account has devolved from my boss to me. I am now accountable for whatever happens in this case.