- Today's Word
Serequinox
[ser-ee-kwuh-noks]
Definition
- (noun) This serene term combines “serene,” representing a state of calm and peacefulness, with “equinox,” signifying the time when day and night are of equal length. It’s used to describe a moment where the peaceful ambiance aligns harmoniously with the changing seasons.
Example
Imagine sitting by a calm lake during the autumn equinox, surrounded by the serene colors of changing leaves and the tranquil sounds of nature. It’s not just a day in nature; it’s a Serequinox. You might say, “The day by the lake wasn’t just about the autumn scenery; it was a Serequinox. The calmness of the lake and the equality of day and night created a moment of serene balance.”
Fun Fact
“Serene” relates to a state of calm and peacefulness, often associated with tranquility, while “equinox” signifies the time when day and night are of equal length. “Serequinox” creatively combines these concepts to celebrate the moments where serene tranquility aligns harmoniously with the changing seasons.
(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.