OPINION | A WORD: Do you recognize the word hidden in all these definitions?

(Democrat-Gazette photo illustration/Celia Storey)
(Democrat-Gazette photo illustration/Celia Storey)


Will you recognize the word described by all these definitions?

Let's play.

Today's word contains four letters and can be an adjective, adverb or noun. Its use as a modifier has a different origin from its use as a noun. As a modifier, it came to us through Middle French from a Latin word meaning "to shine." As a noun, it descended through Middle English from two Old English words, one meaning cattle, the other meaning "to make use of."

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The word means ...

◼️ The common domesticated cow, Bos taurus.

◼️ Without dilution or admixture; straight.

◼️ Characterized by tasteful simplicity.

◼️ Unmarked, free from dirt, disorder or irregularities.

◼️ Habitually clean and tidy; kempt, shipshape, trim; with orderly habits.

◼️ Fun, very pleasing, enjoyable, wonderful.

◼️ Precise.

◼️ Skillful, adroit.

Our Nov. 21 word was "foot." I'll print today's answer Dec. 5, but feel free to email if you'd like to know today.

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