One of the things we like about the Merriam-Webster dictionary site – other than the fact that it’s a good resource for word definitions and audio pronunciation guides – is its “top ten” word list categories, which bring to our attention words we haven’t used enough or (rarely, we say modestly) words we’ve never even heard of. If you’re lacking in inspiration and don’t know which words to study next, we suggest that you page through their lists. We’re sure you’ll find at least a dozen words that will be useful to you, whether in a conversation, while preparing for a presentation at work, or in the middle of a piece of literature you’re enjoying reading. If nothing else, reading through these interesting and often unusual words should spark your enthusiasm to get your vocabulary study program moving again.

From the “Unusual Colors” list:

damask (DAM-ask) adjective
A light rose color with a slight grayish tinge. The name probably comes from the “damask rose” frequently mentioned in Medieval literature.

puce (PYEWC) adjective
A medium-dark red with a brownish tinge.

From the “Bizarre Meanings” list:

poltophagy (pahl-TAH-fuh-gi) noun
The act of chewing food until it is the consistency of porridge before swallowing. Many people in the 19th century believed that this was the most healthful way to eat, and that it improved digestion. (We’ve got to admit this was a new word for us!)

From the “Unusual Phobias” list:

doraphobia (dor-ah-PHO-bee-ah) noun
An aversion to touching an animal’s fur or skin.

hypnophobia (HIP-noh-PHO-bee-ah) noun
The fear of sleeping.

ophidiophobia (oh-FIH-dee-oh-PHO-bee-ah) noun
An unusually strong fear of snakes.

From the “Things You Didn’t Know Have Names” list:

escutcheon (ess-KUT-chun) noun
You’ve probably come across this word for “shield” when reading anything that relates to knights or chivalry, but did you know that it’s also the name of the metal plate that surrounds a keyhole?

From the “Surprising Food” list:

sweetbreads (SWEET-brehdz) noun
The thymus gland of a young calf – it’s neither sweet nor made of bread.

ladyfingers (LAY-dee-fin-gurs) noun
These sweet oval sponge biscuits have been used in desserts for centuries, and are often dipped or soaked in wine.

alewives (AYL-wives) noun
Definitely not the source of ladyfingers! Alewives are small herring.

What’s your favorite list?