ScienceJuly 15, 2026
wherewithal
/ˈwɛərwɪðˌɔːl/
Definition
The necessary resources, means, or practical judgment required to accomplish a specific task.
Etymology
Originating in the 17th century, the word is a compound of 'where' and 'withal,' which originally meant 'with what.' It evolved from a pronoun used in questions into a noun representing the possession of the means to achieve an end.
In the news
The article highlights the homeowner's wherewithal to use gloves and jars when collecting meteorite fragments. This foresight prevented contamination, ensuring the samples remained pristine for critical scientific analysis.
Meteorite that crashed through New Jersey house could hold the clues to life's origins
Read the full article ↗Space