The expression “coffee break” was first attested in 1952 in glossy magazine advertisements by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau.
BRIGHTNESS
brightness
(noun) the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white
luminosity, brightness, brightness level, luminance, luminousness, light
(noun) the quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light; “its luminosity is measured relative to that of our sun”
brightness, cleverness, smartness
(noun) intelligence as manifested in being quick and witty
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
brightness (usually uncountable, plural brightnesses)
The quality of being bright.
The perceived luminance of an object.
Intelligence, cleverness.
Synonyms
• See also intelligence
Source: Wiktionary
Bright"ness, n. Etym: [AS. beorhines. See Bright.]
1. The quality or state of being bright; splendor; luster; brilliancy; clearness. A sudden brightness in his face appear. Crabbe.
2. Acuteness (of the faculties); sharpness 9wit. The brightness of his parts . . . distinguished him. Prior.
Syn.
– Splendor; luster; radiance; resplendence; brilliancy; effulgence; glory; clearness.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
6 June 2025
PUNGENCY
(noun) wit having a sharp and caustic quality; “he commented with typical pungency”; “the bite of satire”
Coffee Trivia
