Top New Words

The latest edition of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary has been updated, adding some 100 new words to the widely referenced tome.

Here are some new entries that are making the news and drawing attention.

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Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Top New Words The latest edition of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary has been updated, adding some 100 new words to the widely referenced tome.

Here are some new entries that are making the news and drawing attention.

(AP Photo)

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Aha moment Definition:

n (1939): a moment of sudden realization, inspiration, insight, recognition, or comprehension.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Brain Cramp Definition:

n (1982): an instance of temporary mental confusion resulting in an error or lapse of judgment.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Bucket List Definition:

n (2006): a list of things that one has not done before but wants to do before dying.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Cloud Computing Definition:

n (2006): the practice of storing regularly used computer data on multiple servers that can be accessed through the Internet.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Copernicium Definition:

n (2009): a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element that has 112 protons.

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Craft Beer Definition:

n (1986): a specialty beer produced in limited quantities: MICROBREW.

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Earworm Definition:

n (1802)... 2 a song or melody that keeps repeating in one’s mind.

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Energy Drink Definition:

n (1904): a usually carbonated beverage that typically contains caffeine and other ingredients (as taurine and ginseng) intended to increase the drinker’s energy.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
E-Reader Definition:

n (1999): a handheld electronic device designed to be used for reading e-books and similar material.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Flexitarian Definition:

n (1998): one whose normally meatless diet occasionally includes meat or fish.

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Game Changer Definition:

n (1993): a newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Gassed Definition:

adj (1919) ... 2 slang: drained of energy: SPENT, EXHAUSTED.

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Gastropub Definition:

n (1996): a pub, bar, or tavern that also offers meals of high quality.

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Geocaching Definition:

n (2000): a game in which players are given the geographical coordinates of a cache of items which they search for with a GPS device.

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Life Coach Definition:

n (1986): an advisor who helps people make decisions, set and reach goals, or deal with problems.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Man Cave Definition:

n (1992): a room or space (as in a basement) designed according to the taste of the man of the house to be used as his personal area for hobbies and leisure activities.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Mash-Up Definition:

n (1859): something created by combining elements from two or more sources: as a: a piece of music created by digitally overlaying an instrumental track with a vocal track from a different recording b: a movie or video having characters or situations from other sources c: a Web service or application that integrates data and functionalities from various online sources.

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Obesogenic Definition:

adj (1986): promoting excessive weight gain: producing obesity.

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Sexting Definition:

n (2007): the sending of sexually explicit messages or images by cell phone.

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Shovel-Ready Definition:

adj (1998): of a construction project or site: ready for the start of work.

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Systemic Risk Definition:

n (1982): the risk that the failure of one financial institution (as a bank) could cause other interconnected institutions to fail and harm the economy as a whole.

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Toxic Definition:

adj (1664) ... 4: relating to or being an asset that has lost so much value that it cannot be sold on the market.

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Underwater Definition:

adj (1672) ... 3: having, relating to, or being a mortgage loan for which more is owed than the property securing the loan is worth.

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