Today's Word

Asterisma

[uh-ster-iz-muh]

Definition

(noun) This celestial term combines “Asteroid,” referring to small celestial bodies, with “Prism,” signifying the dispersion of light into vibrant colors. It’s used to describe something that showcases a dazzling array of colors, reminiscent of the brilliance seen in asteroids.

Example

Picture an artwork, a display, or a scene that reflects a kaleidoscope of colors, each hue sparkling like celestial jewels. It’s not just colorful; it’s Asterisma. You might say, “The art installation in the park wasn’t just vibrant; it was Asterisma. The interplay of colors created a cosmic spectacle.”

Fun Fact

“Asteroid” refers to small celestial bodies, often associated with the cosmos, while “Prism” signifies the dispersion of light into vibrant colors, often linked to the beauty of the visible spectrum. “Asterisma” creatively combines these concepts to celebrate something that showcases a dazzling array of colors, reminiscent of the brilliance seen in asteroids.

Previous Words

Unconscionable

Today's Word

Unconscionable

un-KON-shun-uh-bul

Definition

(adjective) Shockingly unfair or unethical; so morally unacceptable that no reasonable person could justify or defend it.

Example

The jury found the insurance company’s denial of coverage for the child’s treatment to be unconscionable.

Word Origin

From un- (“not”) + conscionable, which derives from conscience — from Latin conscientia (“joint knowledge, inner awareness”), built from con- (“together”) + scire (“to know”). To be conscionable is to act within the limits of one’s conscience. To be unconscionable is to act so far outside those bounds that no reasonable conscience could accept it.

Fun Fact

“Unconscionable” is one of the few moral words that has its own legal doctrine. In contract law, the “unconscionability doctrine” allows courts to void contracts that are so one-sided or oppressive that enforcing them would be morally indefensible. It’s a rare instance where a court explicitly invokes ethics — not just law — to rule on a case. The doctrine was significantly expanded in the 1960s consumer rights era, when courts began striking down predatory lending contracts and exploitative fine-print agreements on exactly these grounds.

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Asterisma

Definition

Example

Previous Words

Unconscionable

Unconscionable

Definition

Example

Word Origin

Unconscionable

Hermetic

Gossamer

Nexus

Accord