Words of Nature – How We Love Thee!

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and love is in the air – literally. One of our favorite words that comes to mind is, psithurism. It describes the soft sound of wind whispering in the leaves of trees. We love nature, so it’s appropriate to share this word. And, if you say it soft and low, it tends to mimic the sound. 

Here’s a similar one. Susurrous this lovely word describes the general sounds of whispered rustling. And, quite poetic in our book. 

Words of Nature – How We Love Thee!

We always enjoy finding seldom-used words suitable for describing the natural world.  For example, apricity comes from the Latin word apricus which means, “having lots of sunshine, or warmed by the sun.” So, apricity means the warmth of the winter sun. And most of us have likely experienced this glorious feeling on brilliantly clear winter days.  

Another fun word to try to use in a sentence this Spring is frondescence. Basically, it refers to the condition or period when a tree or plant unfolds its leaves or petals. Here’s an example:  “As expected, frondescence of the petals is frequently accompanied by other changes in other parts of the flower.” 

Special Rainy Climate Words

The next two words are perfect for those of us who live in rainy climates. Ombrophilous means “rain-loving,” while ombrophobous means rain-shunning. Both words come from the Greek ombros – “rain shower.” Philous comes from philos, “loving,” while the phobous in rain-shunning comes from phobos, meaning “fear and panic.”

We love words! If you do too, here’s an article we stumbled upon about nature writer, Robert Macfarlane. It highlights his fantastic collection of words for the wild world called, Landmarks. Also, the book is revered by many as a field guide to the literature of nature. It’s filled with beautiful and meditative words used in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales to describe land, nature, and weather. 

Finally, here’s one of Robert Macfarlane’s words that we often experience at our home in rural Camas, Washington. On the east side of our property, as the sunrise gains momentum, we enjoy the promising sight of shivelight illuminating the forest floor. It’s always a peaceful reminder of another new and wondrous day to celebrate the gifts of nature. 

Imagine, living in a home where you are greeted in the morning with shivelight – the lancing sun rays that pierce through the canopy of woods.

Want to learn how? We specialize in rural properties. Contact us.

Or start your search for a home in nature here.