- Today's Word
Zephyrdance
[ZEH-fir-dans]
Definition
- (noun) The mesmerizing, swirling motion of leaves, petals, or other light objects caught in a gentle breeze, creating a whimsical and enchanting display.
Example
As the warm spring zephyr swept through the park, the fallen cherry blossom petals engaged in a captivating zephyrdance, twirling and floating in the air, much to the delight of onlookers.
Fun Fact
In Greek mythology, Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, was known for his gentle and nurturing breeze, often associated with the coming of spring. He was the youngest of the four Anemoi, or wind gods, each representing a cardinal direction. Zephyrus was also known for his love affair with Chloris, the goddess of flowers, and their union was said to bring about the birth of spring. In art, Zephyrus is often depicted as a handsome young man with wings, symbolizing his role as a bringer of life and renewal.
(verb) To criticize someone or something severely and publicly, often with harsh or scathing language.
The columnist excoriated the company’s leadership for ignoring repeated safety warnings.
Excoriate comes from the Latin excoriare, meaning “to strip off the skin,” from ex- (“off”) and corium (“hide” or “skin”). While the word originally described physical abrasion, its meaning shifted metaphorically over time to describe verbal attacks so harsh they feel skin-deep, leaving nothing protected.