Dedendum

/dɪˈdɛn.dəm/ noun

Definition

In Roman history, a thing to be handed over, destroyed, or removed; also used in mechanical engineering for the part of a gear tooth below the pitch line.

Etymology

From Latin 'dedendum' (neuter singular of dedendam, from 'dedere' meaning to hand over), used both in classical legal contexts and later borrowed in technical engineering terminology.

Kelly Says

This Latin word jumped centuries—starting as a legal term for things the Romans wanted destroyed, it now describes the invisible curve inside a gear tooth, showing how ancient words find new technical homes.

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