Word of the Day: Orc

Orc
- noun

Pronunciation:
[ork]

Definition:
1. any of several cetaceans, as a grampus.
2. a mythical monster, as an ogre.

Etymology:
"ogre, devouring monster," O.E. orcþyrs, orcneas (pl.), perhaps from a Romanic source akin to ogre, and ult. from L. Orcus "Hell," a word of unknown origin. Revived by J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) as the name of a brutal race in Middle Earth.

Quote with the word:
"But Orcs and Trolls spoke as they would, without love of words or things; and their language was actually more degraded and filthy than I have shown it." [J.R.R. Tolkien "Return of the King," 1955]

Note: The words 'Orc' and 'Orca' (ie. killer whale) have the same origin and root!

Haha, great word! I didn't know Tolkien wasn't the creator of it :( Boo