Word of the Day

re⋅frac⋅to⋅ry

/rɪˈfræktəri/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ri-frak-tuh-ree] adjective, noun, plural -ries.

–adjective

1.	hard or impossible to manage; stubbornly disobedient: a refractory child.

2.	resisting ordinary methods of treatment.

3.	difficult to fuse, reduce, or work, as an ore or metal.

–noun

4.	a material having the ability to retain its physical shape and chemical identity when subjected to high temperatures.

5.	refractories, bricks of various shapes used in lining furnaces.

Word of the Day

denature

–verb (used with object), -tured, -tur⋅ing.

1.	to deprive (something) of its natural character, properties, etc.

2.	to render (any of various alcohols) unfit for drinking by adding an unwholesome substance that does not alter usefulness for other purposes.

3.	Biochemistry. to treat (a protein or the like) by chemical or physical means so as to alter its original state.

4.	to make (fissionable material) unsuitable for use in an atomic weapon by mixing it with unfissionable material.

Word of the Day

frisson

/friˈsõʊ̃; Fr. friˈsɔ̃/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [free-sohn; Fr. free-sawn] /-ˈsõʊ̃z; Fr. -ˈsɔ̃/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [-sohnz; Fr. -sawn]
a sudden, passing sensation of excitement
a shudder of emotion; thrill
The movie offers the viewer the occasional frisson of seeing a character in mortal danger.

Word of the Day

indolent (ĭn'də-lənt)

–adjective

1.	having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful: an indolent person.

2.	Pathology. causing little or no pain; inactive or relatively benign: an indolent ulcer that is not painful and is slow to heal.

Word of the Day

contretemps \KAHN-truh-tahn\, noun;
plural contretemps \-tahnz\:
An inopportune or embarrassing situation or event; a hitch.

Word of the Day

plaudit

/ˈplɔdɪt/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [plaw-dit] –noun Usually, plaudits.

1.	an enthusiastic expression of approval: Her portrayal of Juliet won the plaudits of the critics.

2.	a demonstration or round of applause, as for some approved or admired performance.

Word of the Day

velleity \veh-LEE-uh-tee; vuh-\
noun:
1. The lowest degree of desire; imperfect or incomplete volition.
2. A slight wish or inclination.

Word of the Day

feckless \FEK-lis\, adjective:
1. Ineffective; having no real worth or purpose.
2. Worthless; irresponsible; generally incompetent and ineffectual.