English word of the day

Definition: (verb) Do over, as of (part of) a house. Synonyms: redo, reconstruct. Usage: We were on a tight budget and bought the fixer-upper knowing that it would take us years to completely remodel the house.

Definition: (noun) An expression introduced into one language by translating it from another language. Synonyms: loan translation. Usage: "Superman" is a calque for the German "Ubermensch."

Definition: (noun) A toothed wheel that engages another toothed mechanism in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion. Synonyms: gear. Usage: Wheels began to revolve faster and faster, levers and cogwheels to work, chimes to play, figures to pop out, and the hands to advance with regular motion.