Horripilation

You might experience horripilation while watching a horror movie, because the shared root words give a hint to the meaning of the sensation. “Horripilation” is an old-fashioned term for when the fine hair on the skin is raised when experiencing cold, fear, or excitement — also known as goosebumps. In Latin, “horrere” means “stand on end” and “pilus” means “hair,” so it’s a fairly literal translation. “Horror” comes from another variation of the Latin “horrere,” meaning “to tremble or shudder.”

Vigneron

As with so many wine-related words, “vigneron” comes from French, related to “vigne,” meaning “vine.” A vigneron is a specific kind of winemaker — they start with the vine and the grapes. They cultivate the fruit and make the wine from their own harvest. By contrast, a vintner is someone who makes wine but does not have a hand in growing the grapes.

Duende

The duende, a mythological figure found in Latin American, Spanish, and Filipino lore, is a mischievous figure that features in stories ranging from merely playful to downright terrifying. However, the Spanish loanword is also a romantic word meaning “a quality of passion and inspiration.” Artists, designers, writers, creators, dancers — all are inhabited by the spirit of duende.

Appurtenance

Enim enim pharetra dignissim tellus. Purus egestas fringilla aliquet praesent non, volutpat scelerisque porttitor. Facilisi at amet sed fermentum.

Perquisite

1. Another term for perk. 2. A thing regarded as a special right or privilege enjoyed as a result of one’s position.

Ensorcell

“Ensorcell” — meaning “to captivate” or “to enchant” — shares the same roots as “sorcerer” in French. In Old French, a “sorcier” was a magician or a wizard, but the Latin root “sors” had more to do with fate than magic. However, the English word “magic” comes from the Persian language. In Old Persian, a “magus” was a magician with otherworldly powers.

Celerity

Swifties, pay attention to this word. “Celerity,” meaning “swiftness of movement,” traces back to the Latin word “celer,” meaning “swift.” “Taylor Celer” doesn’t have the same ring as “Taylor Swift,” but the pop star’s fast rise to fame in her teens and 20s echoes the roots of the word. And while “celer” does bear resemblance to “celebrity,” that word’s Latin root is “celeber,” meaning “frequented or honored.” “Celerity” came into English in the 15th century from the Old French “celerite,” which traces back to the Latin root.