Foretaste is a noun that refers to a sample or suggestion of something that lies ahead.

Our word of the day combines the prefix F-O-R-E, meaning ‘before’ with the Old English word ‘taste’ which can mean ‘experience’ as in ‘I got a taste of reality.’ As a noun, foretaste can refer to an advance sample of something. As a verb it can be thought of as a synonym of ‘anticipate.’ Here are examples of both:

I’ve always had an uncanny ability to foretaste bad weather. For example, when a blizzard is on its way, I can always anticipate it days in advance. The earliest foretaste of it is a strange chill I feel when everybody else feels normal.

Parquetry is a noun that refers to a floor design made of geometric shapes.

Coming from the French term for ‘small enclosed space,’ our word of the day refers to a pattern commonly used on flooring or furniture. It entered the English language in the early 19th century at the same time the pattern was gaining popularity. Here’s an example of parquetry in use:

As a math enthusiast, I tend to get excited when I see parquetry anywhere. The image of geometric shapes carved into an end table or chest of drawers tends to make me far more excited about furniture than any reasonable person should be.

Proviso is a noun that refers to a condition attached to an agreement.

The Latin word providere (pro vee DARE ay) means ‘to foresee or provide.’ Our word of the day came about in the late Middle English period as part of the phrase ‘it being provided that.’ Centuries later, proviso is used in a more informal manner. Here’s an example:

I went to the bowling match between my co-workers, but only with the proviso that I could bring my ear buds with me. Let’s just say bowling isn’t exactly a thrill a minute.

Ignescent is an adjective that means emitting sparks of fire.

The Latin word ignis (EEN yees) means fire. From this origin, we get our word of the day which has been a part of the English language since the early 19th century. It may be used in a literal sense to refer to sparks of a fire or in a metaphorical sense as a synonym of volatile. Here’s an example of the later:

It’s not like the mayor to make provocative speeches, but last Sunday

Clinquant is a noun that refers to false glitter.

Our word of the day comes directly from French. Its origin is imitative, meaning it is derived from the clink sound that comes from tapping against glitter. Here’s an example:

The journalism industry is full of all kinds of clinquant. It may seem glamorous, but, believe me, all the glitter of that world is heartbreakingly false.

Precocity is a noun that refers to the state of flowering.

The Latin prefix P-R-A-E means ‘before’ and the verb coquere (ko ku WHERE ay) means ’to cook.’ These provide the basis for a word that means ‘to ripen.’ Related to the adjective ‘precocious’ as in ‘a precocious, or developing child,’ our word of the day grew into the English language in the 17th century.

The precocity of our little puppies makes me reluctant to feed them the same treats we feed our older dogs. I’m not sure if the developing bodies of those tiny creatures can handle grown-up food just yet.

Geniture is a noun that refers to a person’s birth or parentage.

The Latin word genitura (jen uh TOUR ah) means ‘birth,’ This word has given birth to such English words as ‘generation,’ ‘generate’ and ‘progenitor.’ Here’s an example:

While the resemblance between parent and child can vary from one family to another, physical similarity is usually a good indication of a child’s geniture. Most kids look a lot like one or both parents.

Rusticate is a verb that means to abandon city life in favor of the country.

The Latin word rusticus (ROOS de coos) gives us the English word ‘rustic,’ an adjective that means ‘relating to the countryside or the country.’ Our word of the day is a verb used to indicate the process of moving to the country. Here’s an example:

I hope that when I rusticate I’ll be able to get better sleep at night. All those loud, intrusive sounds of traffic are a lot less peaceful than the sounds I’ll experience in the open fields of the country.

Cumbrous is an adjective that means awkward or ungainly.

Our word of the day is related to the more common word cumbersome which comes from the Latin word combre (COMB bray). Here’s an example of cumbrous in use:

After a day of working in packaging, my back can get pretty sore. Those boxes may look small, but they can be pretty cumbrous.

Gainsay is a verb that means to deny or contradict.

The combination of two Middle English words provides the basis of our word of the day. The word ‘gain’ means against, while ‘say’ has the same meaning it does today. To gainsay is to speak against something or someone.

As much as I don’t like to gainsay anyone arguing for the addition of donuts for our weekly meeting, I had to contradict Aurora’s claims about the nutritional value of apple fritters.