Wanderwort is a noun that refers to a word from one language that is used in many others.

Our word of the day consists of two words that are German in origin, wander, meaning ‘to meander or travel,’ and ‘wort,’ for ‘word.’ Simply put, a wanderwort is a word that has travelled from one language to another — and sometimes to many others.

Because it is from German and has landed in English, that means wanderwort itself is a wanderwort.

Stratagem is a noun that refers to a move made to outwit one's opponents.

The Greek word stratos (STRAH tose) means ‘army.’ This gave birth to a number of words like ‘strategy’ that originated in military use, but can be used outside of that context as well. Stratagem refers specifically to a move made to fool an enemy.

Chuck’s decision to go to the bathroom in the middle of the poker game was probably a scheme to help him win the game. He’s always devising these weird stratagems when he really should be focusing on playing a better game.

Summarily is an adverb that means without delay or formalities.

Coming from the Latin word summa (SUE ma) meaning ‘sum total,’ our word of the day is a variation of ‘summary,’ a word often used in law meaning ‘conducted without the legal formalities.’ Summarily can be used in a legal context or an ordinary one. Here’s an example of it being used in an ordinary one:

My boss summarily dismissed accusations of Doris stealing my Ketchup packets from the office refrigerator. You’d think there would at least be a trial when dealing with a matter that important.

Peckish is an adjective that means hungry.

Our word of the day is typically used informally to describe hunger. It comes from the word peck, as in ‘pecking at your food.’ Here’s an example of it:

I often feel a little peckish when I get up in the morning. But I’ve learned to discipline myself. If I ate every time I was hungry, I’d have a serious weight problem.

Pensum is a noun that refers to a task assigned as punishment.

The Latin word pensus refers to something done for the sake of justice or punishment. Our word of the day comes from this origin and maintains a similar meaning. A pensum is often something assigned in a school setting to punish a student. Here’s an example:

As a teenager, I always thought washing the walls was my pensum for being smarter than my teachers. But in reality, I was being punished for writing graffiti.

Glossophobia is a noun that refers to a fear of public speaking.

Our word of the day is comprised of the Greek prefix G-L-O-S-S-O, derived from the word for ‘language.’ And P-H-O-B-I-A, a Greek suffix that refers to fear. Here’s an example of the what they create when combined:

Sharon’s glossophobia makes me wonder why she chose to pursue a career in politics in the first place. You’d think someone who feared speaking public would avoid a life of giving speeches, but she has eagerly chased it.

Galimatias is a noun that refers to confused or meaningless talk.

Our word of the day has no clear origin, but we can say with certainty that it arrived in English around the mid 17th century and has been used to ridicule silly and ineffective language. Here’s an example of it:

The galimatias that appeared in the senator’s speech is typical of what we can expect for the next six years. Nonsense and gibberish has been a part of his life forever.

Decussate is a verb that means to intersect or cross.

The Latin word decussare (day coo SAR ay) means ‘to divide crosswise.’ This is the origin of our word of the day. Here’s an example of it:

Finding the hotel isn’t difficult. You simply have to find the place where all the highways decussate, and once you find this X, you simply get on I-95 and you’re there.

Motility is a noun that refers to movement or the ability to move.

The Latin word motus (MOE toos) means ‘motion.’ This word would later evolve into such English words as mobile and motile, the root word of our word of the day. Here’s an example of motility in use:

It was feared the patient had lost all ability to move after the accident, but when she demonstrated motility, this was regarded as great news.