Analeptic is an adjective that means restorative or stimulating.

The Greek word analeptikos (ann el EP tea cose) means ‘restorative.’ Our word of the day retained this meaning when it joined the English language in the late 16th century. Here’s an example:

When I suffered from my cold last week, I found that tea had analeptic powers. After a nice brisk cup or two, I was feeling much better.

Exclave is a noun that refers to a portion of a territory surrounded by other territories.

The Latin word clavis (KLAV is) means ‘key.’ It provides the origin of the word enclave which refers to an environment that differs from that which surrounds it. The differences between an enclave and an exclave is that an exclave is geographically separated from its surroundings.

Spending a summer on that enclave was a challenge. We had to get on a boat and travel for miles before connecting to anyplace that surrounded us.

Ritz is a noun that refers to luxury and glamour.

An early 20th hotel owner named Cesar Ritz provides the basis of our word of the day. It now refers to any kind of show of luxury.

Personally, I like to keep things simple when it comes to my clothes. For example, having any more than three ruffles on my pajama top is too much ritz for me.

Baedeker is a noun that refers to a travel guidebook.

Our word of the day was named after a German publisher who is remembered for a series of guidebooks. Today we use his name to refer to such books — especially those used for travel.

Following the Baedeker while in New York is not always such a good idea. When I found myself looking for the Statue of Liberty across the street from Central Park, I got the feeling the guidebook was wrong.

Galahad is a noun that refers to a person characterized by nobility and integrity.

According to legend, Sir Galahad was the noblest of king Author’s knights. Today we use this name to refer to someone characterized by nobility and integrity.

Opening the door for an older lady often makes me feel like a Galahad. But it doesn’t usually feel so great when I can’t find my keys to open it.

Sclerotic is an adjective that means rigid or unresponsive.

Our word of the day comes from the Greek word skleros (SLARE ose) which means ‘hard.’ You could think of the state of being sclerotic similar to something being hard or rigid. Here’s an example of sclerotic in use:

After running the marathon, my legs felt sclerotic for weeks. Running or even walking was a difficult task.

Defalcate is a verb that means to embezzle or misuse funds.

Our word of the day comes from the Latin word defalcare (del el CAR ay) which means ‘away from’ or ‘off.’ When money has been D-E-F-A-L-C-A-T-E-D, it has been taken without permission.

I still can’t believe Judd’s decision to defalcate our company’s funds. I had always trusted that he could be trusted with our money.

Victual is a noun that refers to food or provisions.

The Latin word victus means ‘food.’ Our word of the day came directly from this word and maintains the same basic meaning. Here’s an example:

It is often said that an army travels on its stomach. This means that if a troop doesn’t have its victual, they simply lack the ability to perform effectively.

Redintegration is a noun that refers to the evocation of a state of mind.

The root word of the redintegration is ‘integrate,’ which means to incorporate into a larger whole. When something is redintegrated, it is revived to a previous state. Here’s an example of the word in use:

The redintegration of my fourth grade memories was made possible by hearing that awful song again. Luckily my memories weren’t nearly as bad as the song.

Entente is a noun that refers to a friendly understanding between factions.

Our word of the day comes directly from French and is translated to ‘friendly.’ When used in English the word is more likely to refer to nations or geographical regions than individuals.

The entente that existed between the south side and the north had begun to break down by the end of the decade. It seemed only a matter of time before their cordial relationship would break down into war again.