Word of the Day: AMALGAM

Admixture or alloy

amalgam (noun) - a mixture, blend, or combination; a silvery alloy of mercury and other metals once common for dental fillings but now declining [uh-mal-guhm]

• amalgamate means to combine, unite, or merge in a more unified whole

• amalgamation is the act, process, or result of of combining or uniting multiple things

• amalgamated is a term used to denote organizations formed through the merger of two or more smaller organizations

BREAKDOWN: The history of the word amalgam seems consistent with its meaning, as its etymology reflects the admixture of many linguistic influences. This word can be traced from the Latin amalgama meaning an alchemical mixture of metals to the Greek málagma and Arabic al-malgam both meaning ointment or emollient. Ultimately, the word seems to derive from the root MEL- meaning soft in words like mollify and emollient and honey in words like mellifluous and caramel.

“Talent is an amalgam of high sensitivity; easy vulnerability; high sensory equipment; a vivid imagination as well as a grip on reality; the desire to communicate one's own experience and sensations, to make one's self heard and seen.” —Uta Hagen

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not derived from classical roots.]