Apricity

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /əˈpɹɪsɪti/

Definitions

1. The pleasant sensation experienced when sunlight shines on a cold day is a delightful phenomenon
2. The enjoyable warmth felt from sunlight on a chilly day is a comforting experience
3. The comforting heat received from sunlight during cold weather

Etymology: "Apricity" is a rare word with a sunny literal core: it names the warmth that comes from sunlight, especially the mild warmth of winter sun. Its root is the Latin "aprīcus," meaning "warmed by the sun," and the English noun comes from the Latin "aprīcitās," a noun of quality built on that adjective, so the word is essentially a formal label for the state of being sun-warmed. The Latin adjective itself rests on the idea of exposure to the sun, which is why the word has always centred on the sun rather than on heat in general. Its rarity is part of its character: English writers reached for it when they wanted a precise, almost botanical term for basking in sunshine, and it has stayed a specialist word that rewards the reader who meets it.

Synonyms: warmth, sunshine