eponymy

noun

epon·​y·​my i-ˈpä-nə-mē How to pronounce eponymy (audio)
e-
plural eponymies
: the explanation of a proper name (as of a town or tribe) by supposing a fictitious eponym

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eponymy was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near eponymy

Cite this Entry

“Eponymy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eponymy. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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