Merriam-Webster Word of the Day - Refection

WORD OF THE DAY February 20, 2018

refection    noun | rih-FEK-shun     Definition   1 : refreshment of mind, spirit, or body; especially : nourishment   2 a : the taking of refreshment   b : food and drink together : repast   Scroll down for more about refection       WORD GAMES AND QUIZZES: WEEKLY CHALLENGE   Namesakes Word Quiz   When names become words and then we ask you about them.     PLAY NOW     Nailed this quiz? We have plenty more to try!  TAKE ME THERE     Plus:   SEE WHAT LOOKUPS ARE TRENDING NOW!         Did You Know?   Whether you sit down for nourishment or sustenance, aliment or pabulum, a meal or a repast, you are unlikely to encounter a shortage of English words for food or the partaking of food. Refection is just such a word. It was first borrowed by Middle English (as refeccioun) from Anglo-French refectiun, which in turn was derived from Latin refectio (meaning "refreshment" or "repairing"). Refectio comes from the verb reficere ("to remake, renew, or restore"), a combination of the prefix re- ("again") and the verb facere ("to make or do"). Refection is not only applied to food, however. It has been used to describe many means of restoring or refreshing one's body, and of mental and spiritual sustenance as well.     Examples of REFECTION   "… I should prefer that even in the 'Children's Houses' which are situated in tenements and from which little ones, being at home, can go up to eat with the family, school refection should be instituted." — Maria Montessori, The Montessori Method, 1912   "The transparency of the venue is a testament to its promise of offering 'fresh and healthy' choices—being able to intimately view the process of preparation and see the fresh ingredients used to concoct your food will make you feel reassured that you'll be biting into a crisp, original, unprocessed refection." — Vasudha Diojode, The Daily Californian (University of California, Berkeley), 19 June 2014   Word Family Quiz   What adjective beginning with "o" is derived from Latin facere and means "of or relating to the sense of smell"?   VIEW THE ANSWER           MERCH     Merriam-Webster Swag!   Show off your smarts with M-W gear   CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION

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