élan
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élan

noun \ā-ˈläⁿ\

Definition of ÉLAN

: vigorous spirit or enthusiasm

Examples of ÉLAN

  1. The dancer performed with great élan.

Origin of ÉLAN

French, from Middle French eslan rush, from (s')eslancer to rush, from ex- + lancer to hurl — more at lance
First Known Use: 1864

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