Definition

Referring to a day or month that is added to a calendar to keep it in alignment with the solar year or to fill gaps between other elements.

Example

February has an intercalary day in leap years, making it 29 days long instead of 28.

Conversation

Did you know that this year has an intercalary day in February?

Yeah, I heard about that! It's so interesting how they add an extra day sometimes.

Exactly! I always wondered how they decide when to include an intercalary day.

Me too! It's like a little bonus for the calendar.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Intercalary → It is formed from "inter-" (meaning between) and "calare" (meaning to call). The word refers to days or months that are inserted between the regular calendar periods, hence the meaning of intercalary as something that is added in between.

Memory Tip

Think of days that are 'called' ('calare') to be added 'between' ('inter-') the regular calendar — that's what intercalary means.

Visually Confused Words