- Today's Word
Nebulique
[neh-byoo-leek]
Definition
- (noun) This celestial term combines “Nebula,” referring to vast clouds of interstellar gas and dust, with “Mystique,” signifying an air of mystery or intrigue. It’s used to describe something that possesses the enigmatic charm reminiscent of the cosmic clouds.
Example
Imagine encountering an artwork, a place, or a person that exudes an air of cosmic mystery and fascination. It’s not just intriguing; it’s Nebulique. You might say, “The new exhibit at the art gallery wasn’t just captivating; it was Nebulique. The artist brilliantly captured the cosmic mystique in every stroke.”
Fun Fact
“Nebula” refers to vast clouds of interstellar gas and dust, often associated with the birthplaces of stars and galaxies, while “Mystique” signifies an air of mystery or intrigue, often linked to an elusive and captivating quality. “Nebulique” creatively combines these concepts to celebrate something possessing the enigmatic charm reminiscent of the cosmic clouds.
(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.