Word of the Day

Today's Word: Pandiculation (Noun)

Pronunciation: [pæn-di-kyê-'ley-shun]

Definition 1: Stretching the body and extremities when drowsy or tired, usually accompanied by yawning, especially when going to bed or waking; also, around the office, a pastime for those who work at a computer (I should know).

Usage 1: The verb is "pandiculate" and the agent noun is "pandiculator." The term is used by those who not only do not eschew obfuscation but wallow in it with great relish.

Suggested usage: This is a great, albeit rare word, but the slightest bit of context explains it to your (underprivileged) friends who do not subscribe to YDC's Word of the Day: "Archibald could have lounged around all day in a state of constant pandiculation, but the grass wanted mowing." Mentally immobilize your kids (or their teacher) with gems like this: "Thirty minutes into Mr. Furman's driver's ed refresher course, the class was rippling with pandiculation."

Etymology: Latin pandiculari "to stretch one's self" from pandere "to spread out" + icul (diminutive element "a little"). The underlying Proto Indo European root * [s]pen- with variable [s] "pull, stretch, spin" not only gave German spannen "stretch, span" and English "span" and "spin," but the Latin verb pendere "to weigh" behind "pendant," "pendulum," "pensive," and "depend."

(from www.yourdictionary.com)