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vade mecum

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noun va·de me·cum \ ˌvā-dē-ˈmē-kəm , ˌvä-dē-ˈmā- \

Definition of vade mecum

plural vade mecums
1 :a book for ready reference :manual
2 :something regularly carried about by a person

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Brush Up on Your Latin With vade mecum

Vade mecum is Latin for go with me (it derives from the Latin verb vadere, meaning "to go.") In English, "vade mecum" has been used (since at least 1629) of manuals or guidebooks sufficiently compact to be carried in a deep pocket. But from the beginning, it has also been used for such constant companions as gold, medications, and memorized gems of wisdom.

Origin and Etymology of vade mecum

borrowed from Latin, "go with me"

Learn More about vade mecum

  1. Nglish: Translation of vade mecum for Spanish speakers

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Editor's Note: Brush Up on Your Latin With vade mecum