Acle

/ˈækəl/ noun

Definition

A suffix or combining form used in English to denote something small or relating to a particular characteristic, often appearing in scientific or medical terms.

Etymology

From Latin '-aculum' (diminutive suffix) or '-aculum' (instrumental suffix), which English adopted and adapted in various scientific and medical nomenclature.

Kelly Says

The '-acle' suffix is hiding in plain sight in words like 'miracle,' 'spectacle,' and 'oracle' — Latin's way of saying 'a little something' that later English speakers completely forgot was a diminutive at all.

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