Cet

/sɛt/ noun

Definition

Abbreviation for Central European Time, the time zone used by most of continental Europe, or relating to cetaceans (whales and dolphins).

Etymology

As time zone: acronym from 'Central European Time'. As cetacean reference: from Latin cetus meaning 'whale', from Greek ketos 'sea monster'. Both uses represent modern abbreviated forms of longer technical terms.

Kelly Says

Central European Time was standardized in 1893, making it one of the world's first international time zones. Interestingly, 'cet-' meaning whale gives us 'cetacean' and connects to the constellation Cetus, showing how ancient people saw whales as mythical sea monsters.

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