- Today's Word
Jettison
[JET-uh-suhn]
Definition
- (verb) To throw or drop something from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, especially to lighten the load in an emergency. In a broader sense, it’s used to describe the act of discarding, abandoning, or getting rid of something unwanted or unnecessary.
Example
When the startup began to struggle, the CEO decided to jettison several unprofitable projects to keep the company afloat.
Fun Fact
The word “jettison” has nautical origins, dating back to the early 15th century. It comes from the Anglo-French “jetteson,” derived from Latin “jactare” meaning “to throw.” Originally, it referred specifically to the act of throwing goods overboard to lighten a ship’s load during a storm or other perilous situations. This practice was so common that it led to the development of maritime laws regarding the recovery of jettisoned goods. Over time, the word’s usage expanded beyond maritime contexts, becoming a metaphor for discarding any burden or unnecessary element. Its evolution from a specific nautical term to a broader concept demonstrates how language adapts and extends meanings across different domains.
(verb) To suggest or assume something as a basis for reasoning or argument without prior proof.
The scientist postulated that the mysterious signals were coming from a previously undiscovered layer of the atmosphere, a theory that took years to confirm.
Postulate derives from the Latin postulare, meaning “to demand” or “to claim,” rooted in poscere, meaning “to ask urgently.” In medieval logic and mathematics, a postulate was a foundational assumption that didn’t require proof — something demanded to be accepted as a starting point. Euclid’s famous geometric postulates, written around 300 BCE, are among the most influential examples in intellectual history.