Main Entry: cog·no·men

Pronunciation: \käg-ˈnō-mən, ˈkäg-nə-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural cognomens or cog·no·mi·na \käg-ˈnä-mə-nə, -ˈnō-\

Etymology: Latin, irregular from co- + nomen name — more at name

Date: 1691

1 : surname; especially : the third of usually three names borne by a male citizen of ancient Rome — compare nomen, praenomen
2 : name; especially : a distinguishing nickname or epithet

— cog·nom·i·nal \käg-ˈnä-mə-n^əl\ adjective