Technocracy is a noun that refers to the government or control of society or industry by an elite of technical experts. 

Technocracy is a fairly recent word that has an old origin. It came to be in the early 20th century and uses the prefix T-E-C-H, which refers to technology, and the suffix CRACY, which means ‘rule.’ Here’s an example:

In a technocracy, those who control the technology, rule the world. That’s why I always make sure I hold onto the remote control in my house. Nobody controls my TV but me.

Biophilia is a noun that refers to the desire or tendency to commune with nature. 

Our word of the day combines the Greek prefix B-I-O, meaning ‘life’ with the Greek suffix P-H-I-L-I-A meaning ‘a love for.’ More specifically, having biophilia means having a love of nature. 

There are some who when in the midst of nature are swept away by the biophilia of the moment, in awe of the majesty of nature all around us. And there are some like Kenny, who only love nature when it gives him something tasty to put on his barbecue pit. 

Fulcrum is a noun that refers to something that plays a central or essential role in an activity, event or situation. 

The Latin word fulcire (full CHEER ay) means ‘to prop up’ or ‘support up.’ When our word of the day first joined the English language in the late 17th century, fulcrum was used to refer to a lever used to support something. This meaning still exists, but today the word is more likely to be used in reference to a role or event that supports something, for example:

The quarterback is generally the fulcrum of any football team. Without his support, the rest of the team has no chance of winning.

Orrery is a noun that refers to a model representing the solar system. 

Our word of the day got its name from a historical figure known as the Fourth Earl of Orrery for whom a model of the solar system was made in the early 18th century. The model and the name for it are still with us today. Here’s an example of orrery in use:

As a teenager, I wanted to make an orrery for the annual school science fair. But because I was a little lazy in gathering all the necessary equipment, I couldn’t make a model of the whole solar system. I had to settle for a light bulb to represent the sun. 

Subaltern is an adjective that means of a lower status. 

Our word of the day comes from the prefix S-U-B for ‘below’ and the Latin word alternus (ALL ter noose) which means ‘every other.’ Initially used as a rank in the British army, subaltern soon came to be used more broadly in reference to anyone below someone else’s status. Here’s an example:

My boss at the restaurant wasn’t the easiest to get along with. When dealing with the lowly wait staff, he seemed to act as if he was working with subaltern people. 

Philter is a noun that refers to a potion credited with magical powers. 

The Greek verb for ‘to love’ provides the basis for our word of the day. Philter has been with us since the late 16th century. Here’s an example of it in use:

I’m a big fan of those old corny fantasy movies from the 1950s, especially the ones that feature some guy falling in love with a gorgeous gal after sipping from a philter. They make me laugh by suggesting you’d have to drink a magic potion to fall head over heels for a Marylyn Monroe or a Barbara Stanwyck. 

Ocher is a noun that refers to a pale, brownish color. 

Our word of the day comes directly from the Greek word for ‘yellow.’ It’s been with us since the Middle English period. Here’s an example:

My wife insists on buying me bright clothes for our summer vacations, but I just don’t like the way I look in anything too shiny and bright. I’ll stick with my good old ocher sweaters, thank you very much.

Polydipsia is a noun that refers to excessive thirst. 

The Greek word for thirst forms the basis for our word of the day and it’s joined by its prefix P-O-L-Y, which, in this context, means ‘very much.’ Polydipsia has been around since the mid-17th century. It’s often used in a medical context, but can also be used in an informal setting. Example:

After two hours in the Nevada sun, I was ready to guzzle down a gallon of iced tea. I haven’t experienced this kind of polydipsia since I spent a summer in Central America.

Nonfeasance is a noun that refers to the failure to perform an act that is required by law. 

The Latin word facare (fah CAR ay) means to do. The addition of the prefix N-O-N –  meaning ‘no’ or ‘not’ –  means that our word of the day is a reference to not doing something, in this case something that is demanded by legal responsibility. Frequently used in law, nonfeasance has been with us since the early 17th century. Here’s an example:

The jury ruled that James was guilty of nonfeasance by not correcting the problem with the wiring. Essentially, they were saying that because he failed to repair the damaged wires, he was responsible for the ensuing fire that took place.

Papal is an adjective that means related to a pope. The Latin word papa (PA pa) refers to the ‘bishop of Rome.’ Our word of the day comes from the Late Middle English period. Here’s an example:

Last year’s papal visit had everybody enthralled. Even those who weren’t Catholic found themselves taken by the majesty of the pope.