- 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.
(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.