the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way
example
Finding the perfect job just when I needed it was a moment of serendipity that changed my life for the better.
synonyms
flukecoincidencechance
word origin — The word 'serendipity' was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754, derived from 'The Three Princes of Serendip', a Persian fairy tale about three princes who made discoveries by accidents and sagacity.
serendipity, isostasy, enstrophe, lamprophony, iridescence: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 170. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
serendipity · noun/ˌsɛr.ənˈdɪp.ɪ.ti/
the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way
Finding the perfect job just when I needed it was a moment of serendipity that changed my life for the better.
Synonyms: fluke, coincidence, chance
Origin: The word 'serendipity' was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754, derived from 'The Three Princes of Serendip', a Persian fairy tale about three princes who made discoveries by accidents and sagacity.
isostasy · noun/ˌaɪsəˈstæsi/
the equilibrium between continental and oceanic crust where they float on the mantle
The concept of isostasy explains how mountains maintain their height through the balance of gravitational forces acting on the continental crust.
Synonyms: equilibrium, balance, stability
Origin: derived from the Greek words 'ison' meaning 'equal' and 'stasis' meaning 'standing' or 'stability'
enstrophe · noun/ˈɛnstrəfi/
the state of being turned inside out or reversed
The artist's latest sculpture depicts an enstrophe of traditional forms, showcasing the beauty of inversion in art.
Synonyms: inversion, reversal, upheaval
Origin: from Greek 'enstrophē', meaning 'a turning round'.
lamprophony · noun/ˌlæm.prəˈfɑː.ni/
the quality of clarity and brilliance in speaking or voice
Her lamprophony captivated the audience, allowing her message to resonate with clarity and passion.
Synonyms: clearness, eloquence, lucidity
Origin: Derived from the Greek words 'lampro-' meaning 'bright' and 'phony' meaning 'voice' or 'sound'.
iridescence · noun/ˌɪrɪˈdɛsəns/
a phenomenon in which colors appear to change when viewed from different angles
The iridescence of the soap bubble fascinated the children as it shifted colors in the sunlight.
Synonyms: luster, sheen, shimmer
Origin: from Latin 'iris', meaning 'rainbow', combined with the suffix '-escence', indicating a process or state