Adventures in Etymology: Syncopation

Syncopation

Syncopation by Mister Asta (Flickr) “from 1954’s “The First Book of Jazz” by Langston Hughes – illustrations by Cliff Roberts”.
Used under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike Creative Commons licence

Reason for Adventure

I came across this great word in Above/Below by Stephanie Campisi and Ben Peek (to be more specific, in Above ) to describe the main character’s heart beat.

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

noun

Definition:

1. Music. a shifting of the normal accent, usually by stressing the normally unaccented beats.

2. Something, as a rhythm or a passage of music, that is syncopated.

3. Also called counterpoint, counterpoint rhythm. Prosody . the use of rhetorical stress at
variance with the metrical stress of a line of verse, as the stress on and and of in
Come praise Colonus’ horsesand come praise/The wine-dark of the wood’s intricacies.

4. Grammar , syncope.

World English Dictionary

1. Music
a. The displacement of the usual rhythmic accent away from a strong beat onto a weak beat
b. a note, beat, rhythm, etc, produced by syncopation

2. another word for syncope

Origin:
1525-35; < Medieval Latin syncopātiōn- (stem of syncopātiō ), equivalent to Late Latin syncopāt
( us ) (see syncopate) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms:
non·syn·co·pa·tion, noun

Sources:

syncopation. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved June 09, 2014, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/syncopation

syncopation. (n.d.). Collins English Dictionary – Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. Retrieved June 09, 2014, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/syncopation

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

syncopation (n.)1530s, “contraction of a word by omission of middle sounds,” from Medieval Latin syncopationem (nominative syncopatio) “a shortening or contraction,” from past participle stem of syncopare “to shorten,” also “to faint away, to swoon,” from Late Latin syncope (see syncope). Musical sense is attested from 1590s.

Source:

Harper, D. (2014). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved June 09, 2014 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=syncopation&allowed_in_frame=0

Adventures in Etymology: Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia

From http://arizonamathclinic.com/

Reason for Adventure

This is an Adventure in Etymology that comes purely from my day-to-day non-reading life. One of my Facebook friends (and a Book of Faces Bookbagger!) introduced me to the word, and the knowledge that there is a learning disability for numbers and maths as dyslexia is to words and letters. As I’ve never been great with maths I right away connected with the word, plus it’s a fantastic sounding word – very Latin 😛 – so perfect for this feature.

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

Pronunciation:
dis-kal-kyoo-lee-uh

Form:
noun

Definition:
1. acalculia. (Dictionary.com based on Random House Dictionary)

2. severe difficulty in making simple mathematical calculations, due to cerebral disease or injury (Collins English Dictionary)

3. Impairment of the ability to solve mathematical problems, usually resulting from brain
dysfunction. (The American Heritage® Stedman’s Medical Dictionary)

Origin:
1950–55; dys- + calcul(ate) + -ia

Sources:

dyscalculia. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dyscalculia

dyscalculia. (n.d.). Collins English Dictionary – Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dyscalculia

dyscalculia. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dyscalculia

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

dys- word-forming element meaning “bad, ill, abnormal,” from Greek dys-, inseparable prefix “destroying the good sense of a word or increasing its bad sense” [Liddell and Scott], “bad, hard, unlucky,” from PIE root (and prefix) *dus- “bad, ill, evil” (cf. Sanskrit dus-, Old Persian duš- “ill,” Old English to-, Old High German zur-, Gothic tuz- “un-“), a derivative of *deu- “to lack, be wanting” (cf. Greek dein “to lack, want”). Very productive in ancient Greek, where it could attach even to proper names (e.g. dysparis “unhappy Paris”); its entries take up nine columns in Liddell and Scott. Among the words formed from it were some English might covet: dysouristos “fatally favorable, driven by a too-favorable wind;” dysadelphos “unhappy in one’s brothers;” dysagres “unlucky in fishing;” dysantiblepos “hard to look in the face.”

calculate (v.) 1560s, “to compute, to estimate by mathematical means,” from Latin calculatus, past participle of calculare “to reckon, compute,” from calculus (see calculus). Meaning “to plan, devise” is from 1650s. Replaced earlier calculen (mid-14c.), from Old French calculer. Related: Calculable.

*As Dyscalculia wasn’t listed this was the closest I could get*

Source:

Harper, D. (2014). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved March 24, 2014 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=calculate&allowed_in_frame=0

Harper, D. (2014). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved March 24, 2014 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=dys-&allowed_in_frame=0

For more information on Dyscalculia go to www.dyscalculia.org 🙂

Adventures in Etymology: Oleaginous

Oleaginous

Oily, snowy, slushy puddle by Moi of Ra (Flickr) used under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike Creative Commons License

Reason for Adventure

This fantastic word was in Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman describing the voice of a particularly slimy character.

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

Pronunciation:
oh-lee-aj-uh-nuhs

Form:
adjective

Definition:

1. Having the nature or qualities of oil.

2. Containing oil.

3. Producing oil.

4. Unctuous; fawning; smarmy.

Origin:
1625–35; < Latin oleāginus of the olive, derivative of olea olive

Related forms:
o·le·ag·i·nous·ness, noun

Source:
oleaginous. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved November 06, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/oleaginous

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

oleaginous (adj.) 1630s, from French oléagineux (14c.), from Latin oleaginus “of the olive,” from olea “olive,” alteration of oliva (see olive) by influence of oleum “oil.”

Source:

Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved November 06, 2013 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=oleaginous&allowed_in_frame=0

Adventures in Etymology: Gnosis

Gnosis

Arcane Knowledge by ~rustymermaid (DeviantART) used with artist’s permission

Reason for Adventure

Used in Kraken by China Miéville which made me remember what a great word it is!

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

1.

Pronunciation:
noh-sis
Form:
noun
Definition:
Knowledge of spiritual matters; mystical knowledge.
Origin:
1695–1705; < Neo-Latin < Greek gnṓsis a seeking to know, equivalent to gnō-, base of gignṓskein know + -sis -sis

2.

-gnosis

Definition:
A combining form meaning “knowledge,” used in the formation of compound words: prognosis.
Origin:
< Latin -gnōsis < Greek; see gnosis

Source:

gnosis. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved September 23, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gnosis

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

gnosis (n.)
“special knowledge of spiritual mysteries,” 1703, from Greek gnosis “investigation, knowledge,” in Christian writers, “higher knowledge of spiritual things” (see gnostic (adj.)).

Gnostic (n.)
1580s, “believer in a mystical religious doctrine of spiritual knowledge,” from Late Latin Gnosticus, from Late Greek Gnostikos, noun use of adj. gnostikos “knowing, able to discern,” from gnostos “knowable,” from gignoskein “to learn, to come to know” (see know). Applied to various early Christian sects that claimed direct personal knowledge beyond the Gospel or the Church hierarchy.

gnostic (adj.)
“relating to knowledge,” 1650s, from Greek gnostikos “knowing, able to discern,” from gnostos “known, perceived, understood,” from gignoskein “to learn, to come to know” (see know).

Sources:

Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved September 23, 2013, from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=gnosis&allowed_in_frame=0

Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved September 23, 2013, from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=gnostic&allowed_in_frame=0

Adventures in Etymology: Exegesis

Exegesis

Gutenberg bible by JMWK used under Attribution 2.0 Generic Creative Commons Licence

Gutenberg bible by JMWK (Flickr) used under Attribution 2.0 Generic Creative Commons Licence

Reason for Adventure

Another brilliant word found in The Sandman by Neil Gaiman. i think this one was in the second volume, The Doll’s House.

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

Pronunciation:
ek-si-jee-sis
Form:
noun, plural ex·e·ge·ses [-seez]
Definition:
Critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, especially of the Bible.
Origin:
1610–20; < Greek exḗgēsis an interpretation, explanation, equivalent to ex- ex-3 + ( h ) ēgē- (verbid stemof hēgeîsthai to guide) + -sis -sis

Source:

exegesis. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved May 29, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/exegesis

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

exegesis (n.)1610s, from Greek exegesis “explanation, interpretation,” from exegeisthai “explain, interpret,” from ex “out” (see ex- (2)) + hegeisthai “to lead, guide,” from PIE root *sag-. Related: Exegetical.

Source:

Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved May 29, 2013 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=exegesis&allowed_in_frame=0

Adventures in Etymology: Triumvirate

Triumvirate

Triumvirate by ~BlackSeaFoam (DeviantART) used with artist’s permission

Reason for Adventure

Reading the first volume of The Sandman by Neil Gaiman (Preludes and Nocturnes) I can across this word because when The Sandman visits hell to find the whereabouts of one of his possessions, he is told by Lucifer that the realm is no longer ruled by himself alone but is a triumvirate consisting of him, Azazel and Beelzebub.

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

Pronunciation:
trahy-uhm-ver-it, -vuh-reyt
Form:
noun
Definition:
1. Roman History . the office or magistracy of a triumvir.
2. a government of three officers or magistrates functioning jointly.
3. a coalition of three magistrates or rulers for joint administration.
4. any association of three in office or authority.
5. any group or set of three.
Origin:
1575–85; < Latin triumvirātus. See triumvir, -ate³

Source:
triumvirate. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/triumvirate

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

triumvirate (n.) 1580s, from Latin triumviratus, from triumvir (see triumvir).

triumvir (n.) “one of three men in the same office or of the same authority,” 1570s, from Latin triumvir, from Old Latin phrase trium virum, genitive plural of tres viri “three men,” from tres “three” + viri, plural of vir “man” (see virile).

Sources:

Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved May 10, 2013 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=triumvirate&allowed_in_frame=0

Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved May 10, 2013 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=triumvir&allowed_in_frame=0

Adventures in Etymology: Chimerical

Chimerical

Chimera by *TsaoShin (DeviantART) used with artist’s permission

Reason for Adventure

I discovered this charming word in Blameless by Gail Carriger I believe.

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

Form:
adjective
Definition:
1. unreal; imaginary; visionary: a chimerical terrestrial paradise.
2.wildly fanciful; highly unrealistic: a chimerical plan
Origin: 1630–40; chimer(a) + -ical
Related forms:
chi·mer·ic, adjective
chi·mer·i·cal·ly, adverb
non·chi·mer·ic, adjective
non·chi·mer·i·cal, adjective
non·chi·mer·i·cal·ly, adverb
Synonyms
1. illusory, fantastic.
Antonyms
1. real.

Source:

chimerical. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 09, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/chimerical

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

chimerical (adj.) 1630s, from chimera + -ical. Related: Chimeric (1650s).

chimera (n.) fabulous monster, late 14c., from Old French chimere or directly from Medieval Latin chimera, from Latin Chimaera, from Greekkhimaira, name of a mythical creature, slain by Bellerophon, with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail (supposedly personification of snow or winter); literally “year-old she-goat” (masc. khimaros), from kheima “winter season” (see hibernation). Figurative meaning “wild fantasy” first recorded 1580s in English (attested 13c. in French).

“Beestis clepid chymeres, that han a part of ech beest, and suche ben not, no but oonly in opynyoun”. [Wyclif, “Prologue”]

Sources:

Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved April 9, 2013 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=chimeric&searchmode=none

Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved April 9, 2013 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=chimera&allowed_in_frame=0

Adventures in Etymology: Immolate

Immolate

Reason for Adventure

The word “immolating” was used twice in one chapter of Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane to describe two very different actions.

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

Form:

verb (used with object)

Definition:

1. to sacrifice.

2. to kill as a sacrificial victim, as by fire; offer in sacrifice.

3. to destroy by fire.
Origin:
1540–50; < Latin immolātus, past participle of immolāre to sprinkle with holy meal prior to sacrificing,
sacrifice, equivalent to im- im-¹ + mol ( a ) sacrificial barley cake, literally, millstone (see mill¹) + -ātus -ate¹Related forms:
Im·mo·lat·ed
Im·mo·lat·ing

Im·mo·la·tor, noun

Un·im·mo·lat·ed, adjective

Source:
immolating. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 02, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/immolating

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

immolate (v.)1540s, “to sacrifice, kill as a victim,” from Latin immolatus, past participle of immolare “to sacrifice,” originally “to sprinkle with sacrificial meal,” from assimilated form ofin- “into, in, on, upon” (see in- (2)) + mola (salsa) “(sacrificial) meal,” related to molere “to grind” (see mallet). Related: Immolated; immolating.

immolation (n.) early 15c., “a sacrificing” (originally especially with reference to Christ), from Middle French immolation (13c.) or directly from Latin immolationem (nominativeimmolatio) “a sacrificing,” noun of action from past participle stem of immolare (see immolate).

Sources:
Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved April 3, 2013 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=immolate&allowed_in_frame=0

Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved April 3, 2013 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=immolation&allowed_in_frame=0

Adventures in Etymology: Saturnine

Saturnine

Reason for Adventure

It popped up in Catch 22 by Joseph Heller as a description for a character and I was curious to know what the characteristics of someone resembling a planet were exactly.

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

Form:

Adjective

Definition:

1. sluggish in temperament; gloomy; taciturn.

2. suffering from lead poisoning, as a person.

3. due to absorption of lead, as bodily disorders.

Origin:

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin sāturnīnus (see Saturn,-ine¹)

Related forms:
Sat·ur·nine·ly, adverb
Sat·ur·nine·ness, sat·ur·nin·i·ty [sat-er-nin-i-tee], noun

Source:

saturnine. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved March 06, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/saturnine

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

saturnine (adj.) “gloomy, morose, sluggish, grave,” mid-15c., literally “born under the influence of the planet Saturn,” from Middle English Saturne (see Saturn). Medieval physiology believed these characteristics to be caused by the astrological influence of the planet Saturn, which was the most remote from the Sun (in the limited knowledge of the times) and thus coldest and slowest in its revolution.

Source:
Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved March 6, 2013 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=saturnine&allowed_in_frame=0

Adventures in Etymology: Griffin

Griffin

Reason for Adventure

Two characters in two different books I was reading had the name Griffin – Mrs Griffin in The Thief of Always by Clive Barker, and Elder Griffin in Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane. Also Griffins (Gryphons/Griffons) are ace 🙂

Dictionary.com Definitions/Origins

1.

Form:

Noun Classical Mythology.
Definition:

A fabled monster, usually having the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.
Also, griffon, gryphon.

Origin:
1300–50; Middle English griffoun < Middle French grifon < Latin grȳphus < Greek grȳp- (stem of grȳ́ps ) curled, curved, having a hooked nose

2.

Form:
Noun (in India and the East)

Definition:

A newcomer, especially a white person from a Western country.

Origin:
1785–95; origin uncertain

3.

Form:
Noun
Definition:
1. a city in W Georgia. *Note: there is also a place called Griffin in Queensland, Australia*
2. a male given name.

Source:
griffin. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/griffin

Online Etymology Dictionary Information

griffin (n.)

c.1200 (as a surname), from Old French grifon “a bird of prey,” also “fabulous bird of Greek mythology” (with head and wings of an eagle, body and hind quarters of a lion, believed to inhabit Scythia and guard its gold), from Late Latin gryphus, misspelling of grypus, variant of gryps (genitive grypos), from Greek gryps (genitive grypos) “curved, hook-nosed,” in reference to its beak.

Klein suggests a Semitic source, “through the medium of the Hittites,” and cites Hebrew kerubh “a winged angel,” Akkad. karibu, epithet of the bull-colossus (see cherub). The same or an identical word was used, with uncertain connections, in mid-19c. Louisiana to mean “mulatto” (especially one one-quarter or two-fifths white) and in India from late 18c. to mean “newly arrived European.”

Source:
Harper, D. (2012). Online etymology dictionary. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=griffin&allowed_in_frame=0