Word of the Day - 12/03/25
lucubration
/,lukjʊ'breɪʃən/(n.): laborious or intensive study
Her lucubration before the exam left her exhausted but prepared.
(n.): a solemn literary work that is the product of laborious study
The professor unveiled his lucubration, a book thick enough to double as a doorstop.
Word Origin
The word 'lucubration' originates from Latin. It is derived from the Latin noun 'lucubratio', meaning "a working by lamplight" or "a nocturnal study." This noun, in turn, comes from the Latin verb 'lucubrare', meaning "to work by lamplight" or "to study by night." The verb 'lucubrare' is formed from 'lux' (genitive 'lucis'), meaning "light," combined with a verb element implying working or toiling. Thus, it literally refers to the act of working or studying under artificial light, especially at night.
Many English words share the Latin root 'lux' (light) or related forms like 'lucere' (to shine) and 'lumen' (light). Examples include 'lucid' (clear, transparent, from Latin 'lucidus' meaning "full of light"), 'elucidate' (to make clear, from Latin 'elucidare', combining 'ex-' meaning "out" and 'lucidus'), 'translucent' (allowing light to pass through, from Latin 'translucere', combining 'trans-' meaning "through" and 'lucere'), 'pellucid' (transparently clear, from Latin 'pellucidus', combining 'per-' meaning "through" and 'lucidus'), and 'illuminate' (to light up, from Latin 'illuminare', combining 'in-' meaning "in, on" and 'lumen'). All these words are connected to the concept of light or clarity.