Eponym Meaning and Definition
Eponym
Pronunciation
/ɛpəˈnɪm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A term used to describe a word or phrase that is derived from the name of a person, place, or thing.
Examples
- The term “eponym” comes from the name of a Greek physician, Eponymus.
- The medical condition “Addison’s disease” is named after Thomas Addison, who first described it.
- The phrase “Hoover vacuum” is an eponym, named after the founder of the company, Herbert Hoover.
Synonyms
- Denomination
- Appellation
Antonyms
- Axonomy
- Neology
Etymology
The word “eponym” comes from the Greek words “epi” meaning “upon” and “onuma” meaning “name”.
Usage Notes
Eponyms are commonly used in fields such as medicine, science, and literature to give credit to the person who first described or discovered something.
Cultural References
Eponyms have been referenced in popular culture, such as in the TV show “House M.D.” where the main character is often referred to as an “eponym” due to his ability to recognize and name medical conditions.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Patent leather” is an eponym, named after the inventor of the process, inventor Charles F. Goodyear.
Related Words or Phrases
Homonym, antonym, synonym, acronym
Collocations
eponym + disease, eponym + law, eponym + phenomenon
Frequency of Use
Eponyms are relatively rare in everyday language, but are commonly used in specialized fields such as medicine and science.
Common Misspellings
eponey, epoxy, epeonie