Compendiums

/kəmˈpɛndiəmz/ noun

Definition

Plural of compendium; multiple collections of concise, comprehensive information on particular subjects.

Etymology

The English plural of compendium, using the regular -s ending instead of the Latin -ia ending (compendia). Both forms are now acceptable, though compendiums dominates in modern English.

Kelly Says

The word compendiums represents English doing what it does best: grabbing a Latin word and then 'Englifying' it by adding regular English plural rules. Scholars might prefer compendia, but English speakers naturally say compendiums, which shows how living languages adapt foreign vocabulary to their own patterns.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.