Usurp is a verb that means to take by force. 

The Latin word usurpare (ooh zoo PAR ay) means ‘to seize for use.’ The word was then seized by English speakers during the Middle English period and is still being used today with the same basic meaning. Here’s an example:

As a reporter, you have to hold on to your press pass at all costs. You’ll meet people who will try to usurp it from you — and for good reason. There’s a lot of power in that backstage pass to the dog show

Fusillade is a noun that refers to a spirited outburst. 

Coming from the French word for ‘to shoot,’ our word of the day has been with us since the early 19th century. In the past, it was mainly used in a military context, referring to missiles or bullets being shot. But more recently it’s likely to be used in a metaphorical sense, referring to words being fired away in the form of a rant or tirade. Here’s an example:

Frank’s angry fusillade about the failures or our computers appears to have spurred management to make some changes in the system. Sometimes all it takes is a hot-tempered tirade to get what you want.

Pecuniary is an adjective that means related to money. 

The latin word pecu (PECK ooh) means ‘cattle’ or ‘money.’ Our word of the day originated there and joined the English language in the early 16th century. Here’s an example of pecuniary in use:

In spite of Chuck’s pecuniary shortcomings, he’s been able to enjoy a nice, happy life. I guess it’s true that money isn’t everything. 

Polypod is an adjective that means having many legs. 

Our word of the day combines the Greek prefix P-O-L-U, meaning ‘many’ with the Greek word Pod (pod) which means ‘foot.’ The result is a word that describes a creature with many feet, be that creature an insect or an alien from a science fiction movie. Example:

I don’t know what kind of creature came in and ravaged our picnic food while we were gone, but judging by those multiple, tiny footprints left in the dirt, it must have been some kind of polypod bug. 

Noctivigant is a noun that refers to someone who wanders around at night. It is also an adjective that means ‘wandering in the night.’

The latin prefix N-O-C-T means ‘night,’ while V-A-G-U-S means ‘wandering.’ Here’s an example of our word of the day in use as a noun. 

I didn’t know Cheryl was a noctivigant at first. I’d wake up in the middle of the night and wonder where she’d gone to. Turns out she was just another nighttime creature who craved those late-night meanderings. 

Spindrift is a spray of water, snow or sand blown by the wind. 

Our word of the day combines two Old English words that, together, mean ‘run before wind or sea.’ Spindrift has been around since the early 17th century. Here’s an example of it:

Walking back to our cabin was going great until a giant spindrift cut off my vision for a while. With eyes full of snow, it’s not so easy to see where you're going. 

Nemophilist is a noun that refers to someone who loves the forrest. 

The Greek Prefix N-E-M-O refers to ‘wooded pasture.’ And the P-H-I-L-O means ‘a love of.’ So having a love of the forrest is all it takes to be deemed a nomophilist. 

I used to be a nemophilist, but getting bitten by a few snakes cured me of that fascination. It’s hard to love the forest when your eyes are constantly shifting around in search of the next snake.

Stelliferous is an adjective that means being full of stars. 

The Latin word stella (STELL uh) means ‘star.’ This word has given birth to such words as interstellar, asterisk and the name Stella. When the sky is full of stars, that’s a good time to utilize our word of the day. For example:

When I proposed to Mindy, the sky was gorgeously stelliferous. All those twinkling diamonds up above filled me with such a sense of romance that I had no choice but to pop the question. 

Mussitate is a verb that means to talk indistinctly or mutter. 

The Latin word mussare (moose ARE ay) means ‘silence.’ It is believed that our word of the day is imitative in origin, meaning the word came to be because somebody thought it sounded like mumbling or muttering. Example:

I can always tell when my eight-year-old isn’t being totally honest. He avoids eye contact and begins to mussitate. All that mumbling and bumbling around is usually a sign that he’s not giving me the truth. 

Encyclical is an adjective that means for wide release.

Our word of the day comes from the Greek word enkyklios (en KEY klee ose) which means ‘circular’ or ‘general.’ Encyclical has been circulating throughout English since the mid-17th century. Example:

When Angie resigned as mayor, she did so with an encyclical letter. She wanted everyone in town to clearly understand her reasons for leaving.