The Most Unique, Unusual, & Uncommon Words
The English language has a wealth of surprises, even for native speakers and long-time students of the language. Here is a collection of the words which I find the most unique, useful, or simply surprising.
- Octothorpe
- The number (#) sign
- Petrichor
- The earthy scent when rain falls on dry soil
- Obelus
- The division (÷) sign
- Defenestration
- Throwing someone out of a window
- Apricate
- To bask in the sun
- Solipsist
- Someone who is self-centered
- Dactylioglyph
- Someone who engraves precious metal or gemstone jewelry
- Discombobulate
- To confuse someone
- Jentacular
- Things relating to breakfast
- Dragoon
- To compel or coerce by (military) force
- Quire
- Two dozen sheets of paper
- Gossamer
- A thin film of cobweb blown around and caught on plants
- Reverie
- Daydreaming
- Paladin
- An enthusiastic supporter of a cause
- Psithurism
- The sound of rustling leaves
- Ambry
- A small niche for keeping/storing things
- Conclave
- A secret (closed) meeting
- Faggot
- A bundle of sticks
- Sylvan
- related to or characteristic of forests or woods
I'll expand the list as I come across other rare and unusual words. Is there a word that you think should be on this list? Let me know.