hebdomadal

adjective

heb·​dom·​a·​dal heb-ˈdä-mə-dᵊl How to pronounce hebdomadal (audio)
: weekly
hebdomadally adverb

Did you know?

Hebdomadal is a rare and curious term describing a basic concept: the calendar week. The noun hebdomad (referring to a group of seven or a period of seven days) derives from Greek hepta, meaning "seven;" that root also gave us "heptathlon," an Olympic event consisting of seven events. One notable use of the word occurs in the name of the Hebdomadal Council, the chief executive body of the University of Oxford from 1854 until about 2000. The Hebdomadal Council managed the school's finances and property, among other things, and was so named for its strict schedule of meetings - of course - just once per week.

Word History

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hebdomadal was in 1711

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Cite this Entry

“Hebdomadal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hebdomadal. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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