Wiktionary:Word of the day/Archive/2024/February

1. To strike (a person, an animal, etc.) with a scourge (noun sense 1) or whip; to flog, to whip.
2. To drive, or force (a person, an animal, etc.) to move, with or as if with a scourge or whip.
3. (figurative)
   1. To punish (a person, an animal, etc.); to chastise.
   2. To cause (someone or something) persistent (and often widespread) pain and suffering or trouble; to afflict, to torment.
   3. (Scotland, agriculture) Of a crop or a farmer: to deplete the fertility of (land or soil).

scourge n

1. (weaponry, chiefly historical) A whip, often made of leather and having multiple tails; a lash.
2. (figurative)
   1. A person or thing regarded as an agent of divine punishment.
   2. A source of persistent (and often widespread) pain and suffering or trouble, such as a cruel ruler, disease, pestilence, or war.

1. (smoking) Tobacco prepared for smoking in a pipe; also, the leaves of herbs or other plants prepared for such use.
2. Any of a number of plants having thin and straight stems resembling pipes, often hollow or lacking branches.
   1. (specifically) The common horsetail or field horsetail (Equisetum arvense).
   2. (specifically, US) The desert trumpet (Eriogonum inflatum) which has a straight stem with a swollen portion; formerly some Native American tribes in the Las Vegas Valley area turned such stems into pipes for smoking by removing the stem at the base and cutting the swollen portion in half to serve as a bowl.
3. (obsolete)
   1. The redrattle (Pedicularis flammea), a parasitic plant having hollow stems.
   2. A type of seaweed with tubelike fronds; especially the sea lettuce (Ulva intestinalis).
   3. An unidentified sessile marine invertebrate, probably a soft coral or sponge.

1. (intransitive, idiomatic) To achieve the expected standard; to be effective or good enough; to suffice.

The German-American businessman Richard Hellmann who founded the food manufacturer Hellmann’s, known for its mayonnaise, mustard, and other condiments, died on this day in 1971.

1. (fantasy, mythology) Small humanoid creatures, such as gnomes and halflings.

1. A hairstyle worn by Rastafarians and others in which the hair is left to grow long, and twisted into matted strings.

Today is the eve of the birth anniversary of the Jamaican musician Bob Marley, who was born on 6 February 1945.

1. (music, originally Jamaica) An acetate or vinyl record pressed in very limited numbers, especially one issued to disc jockeys in advance of an official release; specifically (and originally), one containing a piece of dub music (a style of reggae music, often instrumental, involving the mixing of different audio tracks).

The Jamaican sound engineer King Tubby, one of the first people to use dubplates, died on this day 35 years ago in 1989.

1. (New Zealand) In Māori culture: the place where one belongs or has a right to live; one's own land; also, the sense of freedom, identity, and spiritual connection associated with this place.

Yesterday was Waitangi Day, the national day of New Zealand. It marks the anniversary of the initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, which is regarded as the founding document of the nation, on 6 February 1840.

1. (originally and chiefly US, scouting) An embroidered cloth patch awarded to a youth member of the Boy Scouts of America or other scouting organization who successfully completes an activity within an area of study (the badge bearing an image representing the activity), which is either sewn on to the sleeve of the scout's uniform or a sash worn with the uniform; hence, the award itself.

The Boy Scouts of America was founded on this day in 1910.

1. (transitive)
   1. To spread, spread apart, or spread out (something); to expand.
   2. (chiefly architecture) To construct a bevel or slope on (something, such as the frame or jamb of a door or window); to bevel, to slant, to slope.
   3. (computing theory) To rearrange (a splay tree) so that a desired element is placed at the root.
   4. (pathology) To dislocate (a body part such as a shoulder bone).
   5. (obsolete) To unfurl or unroll (a banner or flag).
2. (intransitive)
   1. To have, or lie in, an oblique or slanted position.
   2. To spread out awkwardly; to sprawl.

1. (countable)
   1. A light blow or strike with a clear sound; a gentle rap; a pat; also, the sound made by such a blow or strike.
   2. (chiefly in the negative) The smallest amount of work; a stroke of work.
   3. (dance) One of the metal pieces attached to the sole of a tap dancer's shoe at the toe and heel to cause a tapping sound.
   4. (firearms, slang) A shot fired from a firearm.
   5. (graphical user interface) An act of touching a button, icon, or specific location on the touch screen of an electronic device such as a mobile phone to invoke a function.
   6. (phonetics) A single muscle contraction in vocal organs causing a consonant sound; also, the sound so made.
   7. (British, dialectal or US) A piece of leather or other material fastened upon the bottom of an item of footwear when repairing the heel or sole; also (England, dialectal) the sole of an item of footwear.
2. (uncountable, dance) Ellipsis of tap dance.

The American actor, singer, and later diplomat Shirley Temple, known for her tap dancing when she was a child actor, died on this day ten years ago in 2014.

1. (computing) Corrupt characters or letters, especially resulting from being displayed or transferred through an inappropriate character set or encoding.

Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is recognized by the United Nations to highlight the critical role that women and girls play in science and technology communities. It is also National Foundation Day in Japan, which marks the mythological foundation of Japan and the accession of its first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, on this day in 660 B.C.E.

1. (idiomatic, chiefly humorous) A human being.

The English biologist, geologist, and naturalist Charles Darwin, who is best known for his contributions towards the science of evolution, was born on this day 215 years ago in 1809

1. (telegraphy, historical) Synonym of radiotelegram (“a message, like a telegram, transmitted by wireless telegraphy (“telegraphy by radio rather than by transmission cables”)”)

1. (radio, historical) Synonym of radiogramophone (“a gramophone record player that incorporates a radio receiver”)

Today is World Radio Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to highlight the importance of radio for sharing information, promoting diversity of ideas, and reaching remote communities and vulnerable people, and its role in emergency communication during disasters. United Nations Radio was established on this day in 1946.

1. (chiefly US, slang) An adorable and attractive person.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at the English Wiktionary!

1. (idiomatic, chiefly British) In a state of open hostility.

1. Having no matter or substance; incorporeal.
2. Of the nature of the soul or spirit; spiritual.
3. (figurative)
   1. Of no importance; inconsequential, insignificant, unimportant.
   2. (rare) Having or seeming to have very little substance; insubstantial, slight.
   3. (chiefly law) Especially of evidence; chiefly followed by to: not associated in any way that is important or useful to the context being discussed; irrelevant.

immaterial n

1. (countable, chiefly in the plural) A being or entity having no matter or substance.
2. (countable, chiefly in the plural) A thing which is abstract or intangible; (uncountable) chiefly preceded by the: things which are abstract or intangible considered collectively.

1. (surgery) A kind of forceps for extracting bullets, etc., from wounds.
2. (weaponry, historical) A bec de corbin (“poleaxe with a modified hammerhead and a spike mounted on the top of the pole”).

1. Moving with a flounce (“a bouncy, exaggerated manner; an act of departing in a dramatic, haughty way that draws attention to oneself”).
2. (figurative) Calling attention; flashy, showy; also, elaborate; fancy.
3. (sewing) Of a garment, etc.: having a flounce (“strip of decorative material, usually pleated, attached along one edge”) or flounces; gathered and pleated.

1. A person who, while not being a blood relation, is regarded as close enough to be called a cousin; a (very) close or good friend; a bosom friend.
2. (figurative) A thing which is closely associated with or related to another thing.

Today, the third Monday of February in 2024, is celebrated as Family Day in some parts of Canada.

1. (idiomatic) In a way that is conclusive and final.

Today is the World Day of Social Justice, which is recognized by the United Nations to acknowledge the need to promote social justice, including efforts to tackle issues such as exclusion, gender equality, human rights, poverty, social protections, and unemployment.

1. (uncountable) The study of the way sounds function in languages, including accent, intonation, phonemes, stress, and syllable structure, and which sounds are distinctive units within a language; (countable) the way sounds function within a given language; a phonological system.
2. (by extension, uncountable) The study of the way components of signs function in a sign language, and which components are distinctive units within the language; (countable) the way components of signs function within a given sign language.

Today is International Mother Language Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

1. (transitive)
   1. (phytopathology) To affect the fertility or growth of (a plant) with a blight (noun sense 1.1), especially one caused by a fungus; to blast, to mildew, to smut.
   2. (by extension, pathology, dated) To affect (a body part) with a disease.
   3. (figurative) To impede the development or growth of (an aspect of life); to damage, to ruin, to spoil.
2. (intransitive) Of a plant: to suffer blight (noun sense 1.1).

blight n

1. (phytopathology)
   1. A diseased condition suffered by a plant; specifically, a complete and rapid chlorosis, browning, then death of plant tissues such as floral organs, leaves, branches, or twigs, especially one caused by a fungus; a mildew, a rust, a smut.
   2. The cause of such a condition, often unseen but believed to be airborne; specifically, a bacterium, a virus, or (especially) a fungus; also, an aphid which attacks fruit trees.
2. (by extension)
   1. A state of cloudy, humid weather.
   2. (pathology, dated) A diseased condition of the face or skin; specifically, bleeding under the conjunctiva of the eye, a form of skin rash, or a palsy of the face due to cold.
3. (figurative)
   1. Something that impedes development or growth, or spoils any other aspect of life.
   2. (specifically) A rundown and unsightly condition of an urban area; also, such an area.

1. (archery) A bow made from a single piece of wood (often referred to as a bow stave).

1. (nautical) Of a boat, ship, or other vessel: laden with cargo.
2. (figurative)
   1. Followed by with: carrying, or charged or loaded up with (usually something negative); accompanied by; entailing.
   2. (specifically) Carrying or loaded with anxiety, fear, or stress, for example, due to complexity or difficulty; distressed; also, causing distress; distressing.
   3. Followed by with: furnished, provided.

1. A physical image or representation of a deity, person, or thing.
2. A thing which has the appearance or form of another thing, but not its true qualities; a thing which simulates another thing; an imitation, a semblance.

1. (obsolete) A concealed hiding place, especially of an animal; a burrow, hole, or lair.

1. (British, military, historical) To enlist as a soldier in the British army or navy by accepting a shilling from a recruiting officer.
2. (by extension)
   1. (military, dated) To enlist as a soldier of any military force; to join the armed forces.
   2. (generally) To be on the payroll of an organization; to work for an organization.

The New Model Army Ordinance became law on this date in 1645 (17 February according to the Julian calendar) during the First English Civil War, establishing the New Model Army. This was the first full-time professional army raised within England, Ireland, and Scotland, and is regarded as the forerunner of the present-day British Army.

1. (transitive)
   1. To send out (heat, light, or some other form of radiation) in the form of rays; to radiate.
   2. (often literary or poetic) To make (someone or something) bright by shining light on them or it; to brighten, to illuminate.
   3. (technology) To apply radiation other than visible light to (someone or something).
      1. To treat (food) with ionizing radiation to destroy pathogens.
      2. (medicine) To treat (a patient, or a cancerous growth or tumour) with radiation.
   4. (figurative, often literary or poetic)
      1. To animate or enliven (one's mood, or soul or spirit).
      2. To cause (one's face) to look beautiful, happy, or lively; to light up.
      3. To decorate (a place) splendidly.
      4. To enlighten (someone, their mind, etc.) intellectually or spiritually; to illuminate, to shed light on.
      5. To send out (something) as if in the form of rays; to diffuse, to radiate, to shed.
   5. (obsolete, figurative) To influence (something) as if with rays of heat, light, etc.
2. (intransitive, often literary or poetic)
   1. To become bright; to brighten, to light up.
   2. Often followed by on or upon: to emit rays of light; to shine.
   3. (figurative) To emit something other than light; to radiate.
   4. (obsolete) To diverge or be sent out in the form of rays.

irradiate adj (literary or poetic)

1. Made brilliant or bright; irradiated, illuminated.
2. (figurative) Made splendid or wonderful.

1. A year in the Julian or Gregorian calendar with an intercalary day added to February (in the Gregorian calendar, February 29), used to adjust for the extra hours of the solar year; a 366-day year.
2. (loosely) Any other year featuring intercalation, such as a year in a lunisolar calendar with 13 months instead of 12, used to maintain its alignment with the seasons of the solar year.

Happy leap year!