Smile! It's "Odontoid"

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February 24, 2026 Word of the Day odontoid [oh-don-toid] adjective: of or resembling a tooth Explanation Odontoid describes something that resembles a tooth in shape or function. The word is most often used in anatomy and science, where form is carefully observed and named. When a structure narrows to a pointed, toothlike profile, odontoid fits cleanly. Example: The unusual bony structure had an odontoid appearance that puzzled the biologists.

From Insight to "Platitude"

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February 23, 2026 Word of the Day platitude [plat-i-tood] noun: a dull or trite remark Explanation A platitude is the kind of remark that sounds comforting but lands flat. These familiar phrases often aim for wisdom, yet repetition drains them of force or insight. When words feel recycled instead of revealing, a platitude is usually to blame. Example: His campaign speech was full of meaningless platitudes, boring nearly the entire audience.

Off the Path with "Yaw"

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February 22, 2026 Word of the Day yaw [yaw] verb: to deviate from a straight course, as a ship Explanation To yaw is to drift off course, especially when forward motion stays steady but direction does not. The word is most at home in nautical and aviation contexts, where even small deviations matter. When progress continues but alignment slips, yaw captures that sideways pull. Example: A sudden crosswind caused the small sailboat to yaw significantly off its intended path.

A civil rights titan, a pickleball brawl, and good news for coffee lovers

News from February 14–February 20, 2026 Stories about a civil rights titan, a pickleball brawl, and good news for coffee lovers all contributed to the vocabulary from this week's news. Each week, we scan the latest headlines to spot words in action. From major news stories to pop culture buzz, this feature highlights language as it's unfolding. See this week's words!

Short and Sweet? That's "Breviloquent"

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February 21, 2026 Word of the Day breviloquent [bre-vil-uh-kwuhnt] adjective: speaking or expressed in a concise or terse style Explanation Breviloquent describes using as few words as possible to get a message across. It applies to punchy speeches, crisp writing, and any moment where less is more. When restraint makes the message sharper, breviloquent is the word. Example: The breviloquent presentation, deliberately short and to the point, impressed the entire committee of executives.

Follow the Guiding Light: "Lodestar"

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February 20, 2026 Word of the Day lodestar [lohd-stahr] noun: something that serves as a guide or on which attention is fixed Explanation A lodestar is something that helps you navigate life. Originally referring to the North Star, it now also means anything that directs your choices or values. When you need direction and guidance, whether literal or figurative, look to your lodestar. Example: Her dedication to helping others was the lodestar that shaped her career.

Don't Carry It, "Schlep" It

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February 19, 2026 Word of the Day schlep [shlep] verb: to carry or lug Explanation To schlep means "to carry or drag something with effort." Whether it's hauling groceries, moving furniture, or lugging suitcases through the airport, this Yiddish borrowing captures the laborious side of life. Next time you're hoisting something heavy, you can say you're schlepping it instead. Example: I had to schlep the heavy bags up three flights of stairs to my apartment.