Sylph is a noun that refers to a slender woman or girl. 

Coming from the Latin word sylphi (SILL fee) which refers to a mythic nymph of the woods, our word of the day has been around since the mid 17th century. Example:

When I saw the mysterious Sylph in the woods, I thought I was seeing a mythical spirit rise to the sky. But it turned out Erica was just trying out her new silver leotard. 

Glyph is a noun that refers to a small graphic symbol. 

The Greek word dulphe (dool FAY) is where our word of the day began life. Although it’s not a coincidence that our word of the day is contained in the word hieroglyphic, glyph is a broader word that may refer to any kind of graphic symbol. Here’s an example:

It’s a good thing I noticed that tiny glyph on my computer screen. If I hadn’t seen that tiny symbol, I might have overlooked the instruction to turn my computer off immediately.

Scry is a verb that means to foretell the future using a crystal ball. 

Our word of the day is derived from the Old English word descrian (DESK ree ann) which had a broader meaning than today. In its early days, it referred to any act of divination. It later came to refer more specifically to acts of divination through a crystal ball. Here’s an example of scry in use:

When Kelly pulled out a giant crystal ball in her home, she caught my attention immediately. I thought she was going to scry the future, but it turned out she was just showing me a new lamp she’d just bought. 

Alienee is a noun that refers to one to whom property is transferred. 

Our word of the day comes from the Latin word alienus (ah lee AY noose) which means ‘foreign’ or ‘belonging to another.’ The word entered English in the mid 16th century and is most typically used in the world of law. Example:

The alienee of the home didn’t seem especially grateful for having inherited such an enormous estate. I guess some people are so accustomed to being gifted great things that a new mansion is no big deal.

Ague is a noun that refers to a shivering fit. 

The Latin word acuta (ah KOO tah) means ‘acute fever.’ In past years, it was often used specifically to refer to malaria. More recently, it may describe any shivering fit. 

After that bad batch of berries, I was left with a shivering fit for days. That kind of ague can definitely cause you to get more selective when choosing berries to pick in the woods. 

Annex is a verb that means to take for oneself.

Coming from late Middle English, our word of the day is derived from the Latin prefix A-D as well as the Latin word nectere (neck TEAR ay) meaning ‘to tie or fasten.’ Often used to describe something a nation does with additional territory, annex may be used in a more informal sense, for example:

My coffee addiction at one point had become such a problem that I confess I would occasionally annex somebody else’s espresso. When I found myself guzzling down a cold cup of coffee I’d swiped from a co-worker, I knew I was deep in the throes of addiction. 

Zymurgy is a noun that refers to the fermentation in brewing, winemaking and distilling. 

The Greek word zume (zoo MAY) means ‘leaven.’ Since zymurgy’s move to English in the mid-19th century, its meaning has shifted from a process done to bread to a process done to alcohol. Example:

Distilling whiskey isn’t as easy as it seems. In fact, I would even say zymurgy is a dangerous skill if done incorrectly. When drinkers don’t get the results they want, they can get downright ornery. 

Infelicitous is an adjective that means unfortunate or inappropriate. 

The Latin word Felix (FAY licks) means ‘happy.’ Coming from Late Middle English, our word of the day has undergone some changes, but still basically means ‘unhappy’ or ‘unfortunate.’ Here’s an example:

In spite of the infelicitous results, I’m glad I decided to start cutting my own hair. The money I’ve saved on barbers is well worth the price I’ve had to pay in stupid-looking haircuts. 

Akimbo is an adverb that means with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward. 

Coming from Old Norse, akimbo has been around since the middle English period, holding the same meaning. Here’s an example of it in use:

I could always immediately tell when I’d been busted for skipping school. Usually my mom would be standing at the doorway, arms akimbo and face red from anger. 

Depredation is a noun that refers to the act of attacking or plundering. 

Our word of the day has been around since the late 15th century, having originated from the Latin word depraedari (dep rye DAR ay) which holds the same meaning as its English descendant. 

The depredation that took place in the stadium after the home team’s tragic loss was truly horrific. That kind of plundering hasn’t been seen since world war two.