In statu nascendi is an adjective that means in the course of being formed or developed.

Sometimes written or spoken simply as statu nascendi, our word of the day comes directly from the Latin phrase that translates into ‘in a state of being born.’ Here’s an example of it being used:

At that point in time, our company was still in statu nascendi. But after this embryonic stage, we later developed into something very special.

Gallionic is an adjective that means marked by indifference or irresponsibility.

Gallio was a Roman senator noted for refusing to take action during a dispute. The refusal to take action or the tendency to be indifferent in chaotic times puts you at risk of being labelled gallionic. Here’s an example:

I didn’t want my employees to think of me as gallionic, but I didn’t want to get involved in the disagreement between our two distributors. It wasn’t that I was indifferent to the problem, it just seemed like a no-win situation.

Potentate is a noun that refers to a ruler with absolute power.

The key word in our word of the day is potent. When things are potent, they have great power and potentate is a word to describe a ruler with unchecked power. Example:

It seemed that Tammy wanted to become a potentate of the office. But having unchecked power made her very difficult to deal with.

Merestone is a noun that refers to a boundary or a limit.

Our word of the day comes from Middle English and can be used to describe an actual landmark that denotes territory or it can be used metaphorically.

We used the orange outhouse as a merestone to ensure we didn’t travel beyond the point where it was safe. It was a boundary that let us know if we went beyond that spot, we were in danger of confronting bears.

Estaminet is a noun that refers to a small cafe.

Our word of the day comes directly from French. Estaminet is another word for a small cafe.

Cindy and I met at a small cafe outside of the downtown area. I knew she was a sophisticated thinker when she referred to the place as an estaminet.

Brusque is an adjective that means abrupt or curt.

The Latin word bruscum (BROOS coom) described a broom used by a butcher. These days when we brush something away quickly and rudely, we are being brusque. Here’s an example:

I didn’t mean to be brusque with that salesman, but, living in the arctic circle, we really didn’t need an air conditioner — especially in January. Sometimes you have to be a little rude with somebody To get your point across.

Retrocede is a verb that means to give back territory.

Our word of the day combines the prefix R-E-T-R-O, meaning ‘return’ with ‘cede,’ a word of the Latin origin that means ‘to yield’ or ‘give up.’ Simply put, when we retrocede something, we give back what we had acquired.

As a kid, I hated when my parents made me retrocede things I got from my big brother. Although I suppose you could say it was only fair to give back things that I stole in the first place.

Accrual is a noun that refers to  the process of accumulating something.

The Latin word accrescere (ah CRAY share ay) means ‘increase.’ This evolved into the English word accrue, a word often associated with financial growth. Accrual is frequently — though not always — used in these kinds of contexts.

Early in life, Eric made the accrual of wealth his only goal. Now he sees there are far more important things than expanding one’s bank account.

Peculate is a verb that means to embezzle.

Our word of the day comes from the Latin word peculum (PECK ooh loom) which originally meant ‘cattle,’ but later cam to mean ‘private property.’ Peculate evolved as a word to describe the stealing of one’s private property.

Stan never guessed his trusted friend would peculate his money behind his back, but that’s exactly what later happened. It just goes to show that embezzlement is something anyone is capable of.

Acerbate is a verb that means to make worse.

The Latin word acerbus (ah CHAIR bus) means ‘bitter’ or ‘sour.’ When we make something bitter or worsen it, we acerbate it. Here’s an example of acerbate used in proper context:

Weather like this tends to acerbate an already awful day. It’s bad enough that our softball team is horrible, but on top of that, today’s game gets cancelled.