Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Subscribe

Archives



Oct 23, 2019
This week’s theme
There’s a word for it

This week’s words
agerasia
aposiopesis
marcescent
rupestral
proditomania

marcescent
Photo: Jean Ronan

Bookmark and Share Facebook Twitter Digg MySpace Bookmark and Share
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg

marcescent

PRONUNCIATION:
(mahr-SES-uhnt)

MEANING:
adjective: Withering without falling off.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin marcescent- (beginning to wither), present participle of marcescere (to wither), from marcere (to wither). Earliest documented use: 1727.

USAGE:
“She took up scissors and trimmed the hair above his ears and clipped away the frizzy marcescent strands languishing in the desert of his bald head.”
Keith Quincy; Samuel; Xlibris; 2002.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand. -Emily Kimbrough, author and broadcaster (23 Oct 1899-1989)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith