Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

anatocism

noun
anat·​o·​cism | \əˈnatəˌsizəm\
plural -s

Definition of anatocism 

: compound interest : the taking of compound interest

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of anatocism

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for anatocism

Latin anatocismus, from Greek anatokismos, from ana- + tokismos usury, from tokizein to lend on interest (from tokos interest, offspring, from tiktein to beget) + -ismos -ism

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about anatocism

Statistics for anatocism

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for anatocism

The first known use of anatocism was circa 1656

See more words from the same year

Comments on anatocism

What made you want to look up anatocism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

exculpate

to clear from alleged fault or guilt

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

  • the-education-of-achilles-eugne-delacroix
  • Which is a synonym of discomfit?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games