Word of the Day: STIPULATE
To specify or spell out
stipulate (verb) - to delineate or demand as part of a contract or agreement; to promise; to accept without requiring evidence [stip-yuh-leyt]
stipulate as an adjective means having small leaf-like outgrowths at the base of a leaf stalk
stipulation is the act or result of reaching an agreement; a promise or provision in a contract
a stipule is a small leaf-like outgrowth, often paired, found at the base of a petiole or leaf stalk
BREAKDOWN: The word stipulate has two very different meanings that may or may not come from the same place. There is no doubt that the term stipule derives directly from the Latin stipula meaning stalk or straw, which explains the use of stipulate as a modifier. The verb form clearly comes from the Latin stipulari meaning demanded as a formal promise. However, the connections between stipula and stipulari are speculative but possibly connected to an ancient Roman custom where negotiating parties, upon reaching an agreement, broke a straw as a sign of their compact.
“By a declaration of rights, I mean one which shall stipulate freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of commerce against monopolies, trial by juries in all cases, no suspensions of the habeas corpus, no standing armies. These are fetters against doing evil which no honest government should decline.” —Thomas Jefferson
[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily or obviously derived from classical roots.]