Main Entry: de·cem·vir

Pronunciation: \di-ˈsem-vər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, back-formation from decemviri, plural, from decem + viri, plural of vir man — more at virile

Date: 15th century

: one of a ruling body of 10; specifically : one of a body of 10 magistrates in ancient Rome

— de·cem·vi·ral \-vər-əl\ adjective

— de·cem·vi·rate \-vər-ət\ noun