Today's Words: Hermitage, Marmoreal and Elevenses

Hermitage

(hur-mi-tij) Noun

any secluded place of residence or habitation; retreat; hideaway 

More about Hermitage

First recorded between 1250–1300.

The sense of “any secluded place of residence” first came into usage during the 1640s.

From the same spelling as Old French; from Medieval Latin hermitorium, “a hermit’s dwelling place.”

Examples of Hermitage

After years in the public eye, the artist found peace in a hermitage deep in the forest.

My hermitage — a small cabin surrounded by trees — was the perfect place for writing a novel.

Marmoreal

(mahr-mawr-ee-uhl ] Adjective

characteristic of or like marble 

More about Marmoreal

First recorded between 1790–1800.

From Latin marmore(us), “made of marble,” (see marble, -eous) + all 

Examples of Marmoreal

The ancient ruins included a marmoreal floor, still shining brightly despite the passage of centuries.

Your complexion is so smooth and pale that it looks marmoreal under the soft lighting.

Elevenses

(ih-lev-uhn-ziz) Noun

a midmorning break for refreshments

More about Elevenses

First recorded in 1840–65 and chiefly in British English usage.

Originally a dialect of elevens, meaning “an eleven-o’clock meal.”

Doubly pluralized form of eleven, perhaps as an ellipsis of eleven hours (eleven o’clock).

Examples of Elevenses

During elevenses, the hikers rested and refuelled with some fruit and nuts before continuing their trek.

Every day, she looks forward to elevenses, a brief respite from her busy schedule.

Inputs Courtesy: Dictionary.com