The word for today is…
permutation (noun) -
1: often major or fundamental change (as in character or condition) based primarily on rearrangement of existent elements, also : a form or variety resulting from such change
2a: the act or process of changing the lineal order of an ordered set of objects
b: an ordered arrangement of a set of objects
Source : Merriam-Webster
Etymology : “Ch-ch-changes!” David Bowie sang memorably in his classic (and appropriately titled) hit “Changes,” which concerns the phenomenon of artistic reinvention—something Bowie knew a lot about. In fact, he could have titled the song “Permutations,” though we admit that the word would have been a bit clunkier to sing. Permutation is, after all, all about change—specifically change (as in character or condition) of something based primarily on rearrangement of its existing elements. For example, Bowie’s artistic persona went through many permutations over the course of his career, from the alien rock star Ziggy Stardust to the aristocratic Thin White Duke, with the common denominator—the existing elements—being Bowie himself. (Permutation can also be used for a form or variety resulting from such changes, and can thus refer to Bowie’s individual personae as well.) Permutation, perhaps ironically, has not changed all that much since it was borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-French as permutacioun.
If you enjoyed this Good Oil word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.
