centum

adjective

cen·​tum ˈken-təm How to pronounce centum (audio)
-ˌtu̇m
: of, relating to, or constituting an Indo-European language group in which the palatal stops did not in prehistoric times become palatal or alveolar fricatives compare satem

Word History

Etymology

Latin, hundred; from the fact that its initial sound (a velar stop) is the representative of an Indo-European palatal stop — more at hundred

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centum was in 1893

Phrases Containing centum

Dictionary Entries Near centum

centu

centum

centumvir

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Centum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centum. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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