Docent

/ˈdoʊsənt/ noun

Definition

A lecturer or guide, typically at a museum, university, or cultural institution, who is often a volunteer or part-time expert.

Etymology

From Latin 'docens' (teaching), the present participle of 'docere' (to teach). The word entered European languages through German and Italian universities in the medieval period to describe teaching assistants.

Kelly Says

Museum docents are living encyclopedias—they often know more about specific artifacts than the curators themselves, and their passion for sharing knowledge often makes history come alive better than any textbook!

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