Unfamiliar Words with Meaning and Etymology:
1. Petrichor (noun) - The pleasant, earthy smell after rain.
Etymology: Derived from the Greek words "petros" (stone) and "ichor" (the fluid that flows in the veins of the gods in Greek mythology). Coined by two Australian researchers in 1964 to describe the smell.
2. Nudiustertian (adjective) - Of or pertaining to the day before yesterday.
Etymology: Latin "nudius" (new) + "tertius" (third). Essentially meaning "new-third", reflecting the third day back from the present.
3. Sesquipedalian (adjective) - Using long words.
Etymology: Latin "sesqui" (one and a half) + "pes" (foot). Originally referring to something 1.5 feet long, it evolved to describe words longer than a foot (or, metaphorically, using long words).
4. Scintillating (adjective) - Sparkling, witty, brilliant.
Etymology: Latin "scintilla" (spark). Originally referring to a physical spark, it later evolved to describe the metaphorical "spark" of wit or intelligence.
5. Serendipitous (adjective) - Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Etymology: From the Persian fairy tale "The Three Princes of Serendip". The princes were always finding valuable things by accident, hence the word "serendipitous" describing such fortunate discoveries.
6. Ephemeral (adjective) - Lasting for a very short time.
Etymology: From the Greek "ephemeros" (lasting only a day). Originally describing things that last only a day, it now refers to anything short-lived.
7. Quixotic (adjective) - Idealistic, impractical, and often foolishly romantic.
Etymology: From the Spanish novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes. Don Quixote was a chivalrous knight who fought windmills believing them to be giants, reflecting the impractical, romantic nature of the word.
8. Mellifluous (adjective) - Sweet or musical; pleasing to the ear.
Etymology: Latin "mel" (honey) + "fluo" (flow). Originally referring to something flowing like honey, it now describes something that is sweet and pleasing to listen to.
9. Ubiquitous (adjective) - Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Etymology: Latin "ubi" (where) + "quus" (everywhere). Literally meaning "being everywhere", it describes things that are prevalent in all locations.
10. Sonder (noun) - The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.
Etymology: Coined by the author John Koenig in his "Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows" in 2014. This word encapsulates the complex and often overlooked reality of individual experiences and emotions.
These are just a few examples of words that may be unfamiliar, but their meanings and etymologies are fascinating and can add depth and richness to our vocabulary.