apricate
verb

- to sunbathe or bask in the sun

- to expose to sunlight

Collins Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

“Apricate" derives from the Latin verb apricari, meaning "to bask in the sun" or "to sun oneself".  It's related to the Latin adjective apricus, meaning "sunny" or "exposed to the sun".

This strange and lovely word was documented by Henry Cockeram in 1623 in his “The English Dictionary - an interpreter of hard English words.”

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THE SCIENCE OF SUNBATHING



Until now, we had a general understanding of the benefits of basking in the sun, but today’s OWAD gave us the chance to check the science. Here's what we found:

- The most well-established benefit of sun exposure is vitamin D synthesis. When UVB rays hit the skin, it triggers vitamin D production. Adequate vitamin D is crucial for bone health, immune function, and may play a role in preventing certain diseases.

- Sunlight exposure has been linked to increased serotonin production, which can improve mood and help alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

- Sunlight exposure, especially in the morning, helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, which is important for sleep quality and overall health.

- While excessive sun exposure increases skin cancer risk, some studies suggest moderate sun exposure may reduce the risk of certain internal cancers, possibly due to vitamin D's effects.

- Some research indicates that sunlight exposure may lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide levels in the skin.

However, most sources emphasise that that excessive sun exposure carries significant risks, particularly skin damage and increased skin cancer risk. The key is moderation and protection.

Stay safe,

Paul & Helga Smith

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SYNONYMS

absorb rays, APRICATE, bake, bathe in sunlight, bask, be a sun worshipper, be out in the sun, beam, bronze, brown, catch the rays (sun), cook, embrace the sun, enjoy the sunshine, feel the sun on one's face (the warmth of the sun), get a tan (some sun, some vitamin D, toasted), go brown, lay out, lie/lounge/luxuriate/relax in the sun(shine), photosynthesize, play lizard, roast, sizzle, soak in sunshine (up rays), solar charge, sun oneself, sunbathe, sunburn, sungaze, sunglow, suntan, swelter, take in some rays (the sun), tan, toast, warm oneself (in the sun), work on one's tan, worship the sun

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“As the days grow shorter and colder, it’s good to occasionally APRICATE during sunny spells.”

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