This week's theme
Words with initial silent letters

This week's words
pteridology
knacker
gnathic
wraith
chthonic

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(THON-ik)

MEANING:

adjective: Of or relating to the underworld.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Greek chthon (earth). Ultimately from the Indo-European root dhghem- (earth), which also sprouted human, homicide, humble, homage, chameleon, chamomile, inhume, exhume, and Persian zamindar (landholder). Earliest documented use: 1882.

USAGE:

"The earth's crust is riddled with unresolved tensions -- prod, pierce, or bend it enough and these chthonic stresses will find sudden release."
Notes from Underground; The Economist (London, UK); Apr 21, 2012.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: