Canicular
Word of the Day
What is Canicular?
adjective
Relating to the dog days of summer; oppressively hot.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to herald the oncoming heatwaves and the lore that ties them to the Dog Star.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
A canicular haze pressed against the blinds.
Festivals shifted to twilight hours during the canicular spell.
The report warned of canicular conditions through the weekend.
Word Origins
Latin canicularis "of the dog star," from Canicula (Sirius)
Originally referred to the period when Sirius rises with the sun; now any sweltering stretch.
First appearance in English: 17th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
La canicule de julho esgota a cidade.
-
Noun:
Sirius brilhou no céu canicular.
-
Adjective:
A sultry evening finally drew a breeze.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: canicular / propio del estío más caluroso
- French: caniculaire
- German: hundstagtlich / caniculär
- Italian: canicolare
- Portuguese: canicular / dos dias de canícula
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Aestival
General to summer; canicular zeroes in on peak heat.
Sirocco
A hot, dusty wind; canicular is a season/period, not a wind.
Torrid
Intensely hot; canicular adds the seasonal/astronomical nuance.
Fun Facts
- The "dog days" come from the Dog Star, not from dogs seeking shade—though they do.
- Urban heat islands intensify canicular periods by several degrees.
Cultural Usage
- The term links summer heat to the heliacal rising of Sirius.
- Ancient calendars marked canicular days for augury and health advice.
Common Mistakes
Not "canine"; and don't confuse with "canicular year" (archaic calendrical term).
Micro Story
Under a canicular sky, the city moved in slow motion.