Etymology dictionary
synchronise (v.) — Szechwan
synchronise (v.)
chiefly British English spelling of synchronize; for suffix, see -ize. Related: Synchronised; synchronising; synchronisation.
synclinal (adj.)
"dipping or sloping downward on both sides," 1833 (in Lyell), from -al (1) + Latinized form of stem of Greek synklinein "to incline, lean," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + klinein "to slope" (from PIE root *klei- "to lean"). Opposed to anticlinal.
syncline (n.)
in geology, "synclinal fold, line, or axis," 1855, a back-formation from synclinal.
syncope (n.)
1520s, "contraction of a word by omission of middle sounds or letters," from Latin syncope "contraction of a word by elision," from Greek synkopē "contraction of a word," literally "a cutting off, cutting up, cutting short," from synkoptein "to cut up." This is from syn- "together," here perhaps "thoroughly" (see syn-) + koptein "to cut." This verb is perhaps from PIE root *kop- "to beat, strike, smite" (see hatchet (n.)). Beekes leaves open the possibility "the word might be from the Pre-Greek or European substrate."
The same word is older in pathology in the sense of "a fainting, loss of consciousness accompanied by a weak pulse," via Old French syncope "illness, fainting fit" and Latin syncope in its nongrammatical sense of "a fainting, swooning." Originally as Middle English sincopis, sincopin (c. 1400), via Medieval Latin sincopis, Late Latin accusative syncopen. The spelling of this was re-Latinized 16c.
The notion is a sudden "cutting off" of consciousness. Compare Greek kopos "a blow, a stroke" (related to the verb) and native stroke (n.1) "apoplectic seizure." Related: Syncoptic (1650s); syncopal (1680s); syncopic (1889).
syncopation (n.)
1530s, in grammar and prosody, "contraction of a word by omission of middle sounds," from Medieval Latin syncopationem (nominative syncopatio) "a shortening or contraction," from past-participle stem of syncopare "to shorten," also "to faint away, to swoon," from Late Latin syncope "a fainting away, swooning," also in the grammatical sense (see syncope).
Especially of a short vowel between two consonants. The musical sense, in reference to the inversion of rhythmic accent, is attested from 1590s.
syncopate (v.)
c. 1600, "shorten (words) by omitting one or more syllables or letters in the middle," a back-formation from syncopation, or else from Late Latin syncopatus, past participle of syncopare "to shorten," also "to faint away, swoon," from Late Latin syncope "a fainting away, swooning," also in the grammatical sense (see syncope).
The musical sense is from 1660s; in modern use, syncopated, in reference to rhythms, by 1908, originally in ragtime. An earlier verb was syncopate (early 15c. of words; by 1728 of music). To syncopize (late 15c.) was "to swoon." Related: Syncopating.
syncretize (v.)
"blend, attempt to unite," in theology, philosophy, 1670s, a back-formation from syncretism or else from a Latinized form of Greek synkrētizein. Related: Syncretized; syncretizing.
syncretism (n.)
in theology and philosophy, "attempted reconciliation of different beliefs, parties, etc.," 1610s, from French syncrétisme (17c.) and directly from Modern Latin syncretismus (17c.), from Greek synkrētismos "union of communities," from synkrētizein "to combine against a common enemy."
This is from syn- "together" (see syn-) + a verb of uncertain origin. One theory connects it with krētismos "lying," from krētizein "to lie like a Cretan;" another connects it with the stem of kerannynai "to mix, blend;" krasis "mixture."
The Modern Latin word was coined among German Protestant theologians attempting to harmonize their sects; in English the word has been more or less pejorative, with a notion of trying to reconcile the irreconcilable.
Related: Syncretist (n.); synchretic; syncretistic.
syncytial (adj.)
1895, "pertaining to a syncytium," a cell with two or more nuclei (1877), a Modern Latin scientific coinage from Greek syn "together" (see syn-) + kytos "receptacle, vessel," used in biology for "cell" (see cyto-).
syndactylism (n.)
"union of two or more digits," 1889, with -ism + syndactyl (adj.) "having the digits more or less fused, web-toed" (1836), a Modern Latin coinage from Greek syn- (see syn-) + daktylos "finger, toe" (see dactyl (n.)).
syndetic (adj.)
"connecting, connective," in reference to dictionary cross-references and cataloguing, 1874, from Latinized form of Greek syndetikos, from syndetos "bound together, bound hand and foot," adjective of syndein "bind together," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + dein "to bind," related to desmos "band" (see desmo-).
syndic (n.)
c. 1600, "a civil magistrate," especially in Geneva, from French syndic "chief representative" (14c.), cognate with Spanish sindico, Italian sindaco, from Late Latin syndicus "representative of a group or town," from Greek syndikos "public advocate," as an adjective, "belonging jointly to," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + dikē "judgment, justice, usage, custom" (see Eurydice).
The meaning "accredited representative of a university or other corporation" is by c. 1600. Related: Syndical.
syndicalism (n.)
1907, from French syndicalisme "movement to transfer ownership of means of production and distribution to industrial workers," from syndical "of a labor union," from syndic "chief representative" (see syndic). Its weapon was the general strike.
syndication (n.)
1887, "act or process of forming a syndicate," from syndicate (n.) + -ion. Sense of "publication, broadcast, or ownership by a syndicate" is attested from 1925.
syndicate (n.)
1620s, "council or body of representatives," from French syndicat (15c.), from syndic "representative of a corporation" (see syndic) + -at (see -ate (1)).
The meaning "combination of capitalists or companies to carry out some commercial undertaking" is by 1865. The sense of "association of publishers for purchasing articles, etc., for simultaneous publication in a number of newspapers" is by 1889. As a synonym for "organized crime, the Mob" it is recorded from 1929, American English.
syndicate (v.)
1889, "form into a syndicate," in a capitalist context, from syndicate (n.). In publishing, the meaning "sell for simultaneous publication" is from 1889. Earlier it meant "to judge, censure" (1610s), from Medieval Latin syndicatus, past participle of syndicare. Related: Syndicated; syndicating.
syndrome (n.)
"a number of symptoms occurring together," 1540s, from medical Latin, from Greek syndrome "concurrence of symptoms, concourse of people," from syndromos "place where several roads meet," literally "a running together," from syn- "with" (see syn-) + dromos "a running, course" (see dromedary).
Phrase _____ syndrome, indicating a characteristic complex of beliefs, behaviors, etc., is by 1955, from psychology.
syndrum (n.)
1979, from synthesizer + drum (n.).
syne (adv.)
"before now, ago," in Burns' poem "Auld Lang Syne" (1788), the usual Scottish form of obsolete sine (adv., conj.) "after that, afterward; before now, ago," c. 1300, an adverb from Middle English sin, a contraction of sithen "afterward, from now on," for which see since. Syne/sine is the same word as since, but without the adverbial genitive inflection.
synecdoche (n.)
"figure of speech in which a part is taken for the whole of a thing or vice versa," late 15c. correction of synodoches (late 14c.), from Medieval Latin synodoche, alteration of Late Latin synecdoche, from Greek synekdokhē "the putting of a whole for a part," etymologically "a receiving together or jointly." This is from synekdekhesthai "supply a thought or word; take with something else, join in receiving," from syn- "with" (see syn-) + ek "out" (see ex-) + dekhesthai "to receive," related to dokein "seem good" (from PIE root *dek- "to take, accept").
Typically an attribute or adjunct substituted for the thing meant (head for "cattle," hands for "workers," sail for "ships," wheels for "automobile"). The etymological notion is "an understanding one with another."
"Formerly sometimes used loosely or vaguely, and not infrequently misexplained" [OED, 2nd ed. print, 1989]. Compare metonymy. Related: Synecdochic; synecdochical; synecdochically.
synechia (n.)
plural synechiae, "morbid union of parts, especially of the eye," 1842, medical Latin, from Greek synekheia "continuity," from synekhēs "continuous," from syn "together" (see syn-) + ekhein "to hold" (from PIE root *segh- "to hold").
synectic (adj.)
"bringing different things into real connection," 1690s, from Late Latin synecticus, from Greek synektikos "holding together," from synekhein "hold together," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + ekhein "to hold, possess, retain" (from PIE root *segh- "to hold").
synergism (n.)
1754, "theological doctrine that human will cooperates with divine grace in regeneration," perhaps a back-formation from synergist (q.v.) or from Modern Latin synergismus, from Greek synergos "working together" (see synergy). The non-theological sense of "a working together, cooperation" is by 1910 (originally of medicines).
synergize (v.)
"act as a synergist" in a material sense, 1881; see synergy + -ize. Related: Synergized; synergizing.
synergetic (adj.)
"working together, cooperating," 1680s, from Greek synergētikos "cooperative," from synergein "to work together, cooperate" (see synergy). Synergic (1849), used in reference to muscles, is from synergy + -ic.
synergy (n.)
1650s, "cooperation" (a sense now obsolete), from Modern Latin synergia, from Greek synergia "joint work, a working together, cooperation; assistance, help," from synergos "working together," related to synergein "work together, help another in work," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + ergon "work" (from PIE root *werg- "to do").
The meaning in physiology, "correlation or concourse of action between different organs," is attested by 1847; hence, via the notion of "combined activities of a group," the meaning "advanced effectiveness as a result of cooperation" (by 1957, often associated with Buckminster Fuller).
synergist (n.)
1650s, in theology, one who holds the doctrine of synergism (q.v.), that human will cooperates with divine grace in regeneration (implying that the fall did not cost the soul all inclination toward holiness and all power to seek it); from Modern Latin synergismus, from Greek synergos "working together" (see synergy). For ending, see -ist. The dispute was important in the 16c. Lutheran Church.
synergistic (adj.)
1818 in theology, "of or relating to synergism;" by 1876 of medicines, from synergist + -ic. The general sense of "cooperative, interactive, mutually stimulating" is attested from 1965. Related: Synergistical (1650s); synergistically.
synod (n.)
"ecclesiastical council, assembly of bishops or Church delegates duly convoked," late 14c., a classical respelling of sinod (late Old English), from Late Latin synodus, from Greek synodos "assembly, meeting; a coming together, conjunction of planets," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + hodos "a traveling, journeying; a manner or system (of doing, speaking, etc.); a way, road, path," a word of uncertain origin (see Exodus).
Earlier in English as sinoth, Old English seonoþ, sinoþ. The word was used by Presbyterians for "assembly of ministers and other elders" from 1593 to c. 1920, when it was replaced by General Council.
synodic (adj.)
"proceeding from or transacted in a synod," 1630s, from Late Latin synodicus, from Greek synodikos, from synodos (see synod). Related: Synodical (1560s).
synodal (adj.)
mid-15c., sinodal, synodal, "proceeding from a synod," from Late Latin synodalis, from synodus (see synod). By 1570s as "of or pertaining to a synod."
synonymous (adj.)
c. 1600, of words, "denoting the same idea, equivalent in meaning," from Medieval Latin synonymus, from Greek synōnymos "of like name" (see synonym). Synonymal (1610s) is obsolete. Related: Synonymously.
synonym (n.)
"word having the same sense as another," early 15c., synoneme, sinonyme, from Old French synonyme (12c.) and directly from Late Latin synonymum, from Greek synōnymon "word having the same sense as another," noun use of neuter of synōnymos "having the same name as, synonymous," from syn- "together, same" (see syn-) + onyma, Aeolic dialectal form of onoma "name" (from PIE root *no-men- "name").
Opposite of antonym. In Middle English also as the name of a 7c. book by Isidore, a dialogue between Man and Reason who describe differently the same situations. Until 18c. usually in plural form, synonymes, or, if singular, synonyma. The modern form of the word "scarcely makes its appearance, except in dictionaries, till the close of the 18th century" [OED, 2nd edition, print, 1989].
synonymic (adj.)
"of or pertaining to a synonym or synonyms," 1816; see synonym + -ic.
synonymity (n.)
"having the same meaning, state or quality of being synonymous," 1790, from synonym + -ity.
synonymy (n.)
1650s, "use of synonyms;" 1794, "quality of being synonymous," from French synonymie and directly from Late Latin synonymia, from Greek synōnymia, from synōnymos " of like name" (see synonymous). Earlier in English as sinonimia (1580s).
synopsis (n.)
1610s, "a summary or brief statement giving a general view, an outline," from Late Latin synopsis "a synopsis," from Greek synopsis "a general view," etymologically "a seeing altogether, a seeing all at once," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + opsis "sight, appearance" (from PIE root *okw- "to see"). In 17c. sometimes Englished as synopsy.
synoptic (adj.)
1763, in reference to tables, charts, etc., "pertaining to or forming a synopsis," from Modern Latin synopticus, from Late Latin synopsis (see synopsis). It was being used specifically of weather charts by 1808. Greek synoptikos meant "taking a general or comprehensive view."
The English sense "affording a general view of a whole" emerged by mid-19c. The word was used from 1841 specifically of the first three Gospels, on notion of "giving an account of events from the same point of view." Related Synoptical (1660s). The writers of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are synoptists.
synovia (n.)
a name applied to the albuminous fluid secreted by certain glands; with -al (1). + Modern Latin sinovia (16c.), a word probably coined by Paracelsus (1493-1541), whose coinages tend to be unetymological. Compare sylph, gnome (n.1), zinc, undine, and he influenced gas (n.1) and alcohol. The first element often is referred to syn-, the second perhaps to Latin ovum "egg," which would make it a hybrid.
In modern physiology, in reference to the lubricating fluid of joints and tendons, by 1690s. Related: Synovial (1756), "pertaining to the synovia."
syntactic (adj.)
1771, "conjoined, fitted to each other," from Modern Latin syntacticus, from Greek syntaktikos "a joining together, a joining in order," from syntassein "put in order" (see syntax). The meaning in grammar, "pertaining to or according to syntax," is by 1807; earlier in this sense was syntactical (1570s). Psychology tended to use syntaxic (1945).
syntactical (adj.)
"pertaining to or according to syntax," 1570s, from the Latin stem of syntax + -ical. Related: Syntactically.
syntagmatic (adj.)
1937, from French syntagmatique (de Saussure), from syntagma, a Modern Latin use of Greek syntagma "that which is put together in order," from syntassein "to put together" (see syntax).
syntax (n.)
c. 1600, "systematic arrangement of parts;" by 1610s specifically in grammar, "construction of sentences, arrangement of words according to established usage," from French syntaxe (16c.) and directly from Late Latin syntaxis, from Greek syntaxis "a putting together or in order, arrangement, a grammatical construction," from stem of syntassein "put in order," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + tassein "arrange" (see tactics). Transferred to logical systems by 1922, to computers by 1958.
synthesizer (v.)
"one who or that which synthesizes," in any sense of that word, 1869, agent noun from synthesize. As a type of instrument for generating musical or vocal sounds from 1909; the electronic version is from 1950s.
A synthesist (1863) proceeds by synthetic method (as opposed to an analyst).
synthesize (v.)
"combine or bring together, unite (two or more things) into one," 1825, from synthesis + -ize. The classically correct formation is synthetize, which preserves the consonant of the Greek stem and which has been used since at least 19c. in the sciences and linguistics in the more precise meaning "to unite in regular structure." Compare hypothesize. Related: Synthesized; synthesizing.
synthesis (n.)
1610s, "deductive reasoning," from Latin synthesis "collection, set or service of plate, suit of clothes, composition (of a medication)," from Greek synthesis "composition, a putting together," also used of syllables and words, from syntithenai "put together, combine," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + tithenai "to put, to place" (from PIE root *dhe- "to set, put").
The notion in the senses is "a combining of separate thoughts or conceptions into a whole." It is attested in English by 1733 in the sense of "a combination of parts into a whole," and later in specialized senses in grammar, chemistry, surgery, acoustics. It was earlier borrowed in Middle English as sintecis (mid-15c.). The classical plural is syntheses.
synthesise (v.)
chiefly British English spelling of synthesize. For suffix, see -ize. Related: Synthesised; synthesising.
synthetic (adj.)
1690s, as a term in logic, "deductive," from French synthétique (17c.) and directly from Modern Latin syntheticus, from Greek synthetikos "skilled in putting together, constructive," from past-participle stem of syntithenai "to put together" (see synthesis).
By 1816 in grammar; by 1859 in biology. It is attested from 1874 in reference to products or materials made artificially by chemical synthesis; hence "artificial" (1930). As a noun, "synthetic material," especially in reference to fabric or fiber, from 1934. Related: Synthetical (1620s in logic); synthetically.
syntropic (adj.)
"turning in the same direction," 1870, from syn- "with, together" + ending from heliotropic, etc., ultimately from Greek tropos "a turn, change" (from PIE root *trep- "to turn").
syphilis (n.)
infectious venereal disease, 1718, Modern Latin, originally from the title of a poem, "Syphilis, sive Morbus Gallicus" "Syphilis, or the French Disease," published 1530, by Veronese doctor Girolamo Fracastoro (1483-1553), which tells the tale of the shepherd Syphilus, supposed to be the first sufferer from the disease. Fracastoro first used the word as a generic term for the disease in his 1546 treatise "De Contagione."
Why he chose the name and what it meant to him are unknown; it may be intended as Latinized Greek for "Pig-lover" (with Latin sus "pig"). That and derivation from syn- "with" + philos "loving" form "the usual conjectures" [Century Dictionary], but there was as well a Sipylus, a son of Niobe, in Ovid.
syphilitic (adj.)
"pertaining to or of the nature of syphilis," 1786, from Modern Latin syphiliticus, from syphilis (see syphilis). As a noun from 1881, "person infected with syphilis."
Syracuse
city in Sicily, founded as a Corinthian colony, and with a name traceable to 8c. B.C.E., from a pre-Hellenic word, perhaps Phoenician serah "to feel ill," in reference to its location near a swamp. The city in New York, U.S., was named 1825 for the classical city. Related: Syracusan.
Syria
Old English Sirie, meaning the Roman and Byzantine province (including Palestine), also used loosely for the land between Egypt and Asia Minor; from Latin Syria, from Greek Syria, from Syrioi "the Syrians," a name given originally to the Assyrians (Herodotus vii.63), a shortened form of Assyrioi "Assyrians" (see Assyria). Related: Syrian.
Syriac (adj.)
c. 1600, "pertaining to Syria or its language," from Latin syriacus, from Greek syriakos "Syrian, of or pertaining to Syria" (see Syria). As the name of an ancient Semitic language of Syria, from 1610s.
syringe (n.)
early 15c., siringe, siryng (earlier suringa, late 14c.), in medicine, "narrow tube for drawing up a stream of liquid and squirting it out again," from Late Latin syringa, from Greek syringa, accusative of syrinx "tube, hole, channel, shepherd's pipe," related to syrizein "to pipe, whistle, hiss" (see susurration). Originally a portable hydraulic pump or catheter for irrigating wounds; the application to hypodermic needles is from 1884. Related: Syringeal.
syrinx (n.)
ancient tubular musical instrument, c. 1600, the thing itself known from 14c. in English, from Late Latin syrinx, from Greek syrinx "shepherd's pipe" (see syringe). Used of vocal organs of birds from 1872.
syrup (n.)
late 14c., sirup, "thick, sweet liquid," from Old French sirop "sugared drink" (13c.), and perhaps from Italian siroppo, both from Arabic sharab "beverage, wine," literally "something drunk," from verb shariba "he drank" (compare sherbet). Spanish jarabe, jarope, Old Provençal eissarop are from Arabic; Italian sciroppo is via Medieval Latin sirupus. In English, formerly also sirup, sirop.
syrupy (adj.)
"like syrup," especially "having the consistency of syrup," 1707, from syrup + -y. Related: Syrupiness.
systaltic (adj.)
"alternately contracting and dilating," 1670s, from Late Latin systalticus, from Greek systaltikos "drawing together," from stem of systellein "draw together, restrain" (see systole).
system (n.)
1610s, "the whole creation, the universe," from Late Latin systema "an arrangement, system," from Greek systēma "organized whole, a whole compounded of parts," from stem of synistanai "to place together, organize, form in order," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + root of histanai "cause to stand" (from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm"). The notion is "a combination or assemblage of parts or things forming or adjusted as a regular and connected whole."
The meaning "set of correlated principles, facts, ideas, etc." is attested by 1630s. The meaning "animal body as an organized whole, sum of the vital processes in an organism" is recorded from 1680s; hence the figurative phrase get (something) out of (one's) system, attested by 1900.
By 1680s as "group of bodies moving together in space, bound by laws of dynamics," as the sun and its planets. The computer sense of "group of related programs" is recorded from 1963. All systems go (1962) is from U.S. space program. The system "prevailing social order" is from 1806.
systemic (adj.)
1803, in anatomy and physiology, "of or pertaining to the body as a whole, common to a system" (opposed to local), irregularly formed from system + -ic. It is used in medicine and biology for differentiation of meaning from systematic (q.v.). As "of or pertaining to a system" generally, by 1850. Related: Systemically.
systemize (v.)
"make into a system, arrange according to method," 1778 (implied in systemized), formed irregularly from system + -ize. Compare systematize. Related: Systemizing; systemization (1828).
systematization (n.)
"act or process of reducing to a system," 1811, noun of action from systematize.
systematic (adj.)
1670s, "of or pertaining to a system," from French systématique or directly from Late Latin systematicus, from Greek systēmatikos "combined in a whole," from systēma (genitive systēmatos); see system.
It is attested by 1789 as "methodical," often in a bad sense, "ruthlessly methodical" or "unduly formal," from the notion of "proceeding according to system." Related: Systematical (1660s); systematically.
systematize (v.)
"make into a system, arrange in accordance with a method," 1764, from French systématiser or a native formation from system (Greek stem systemat-) + -ize. Related: Systematized; systematizing.
systematise (v.)
chiefly British English spelling of systematize; for suffix, see -ize. Related: Systematised; systematising; systematisation.
systole (n.)
"periodic contraction of the heart and arteries," 1570s, from Greek systolē "a drawing together, contraction," from stem of systellein "draw together, contract, restrain," from syn- "together" (see syn-) + stellein "to bring together, draw in; to put, set, place" (from PIE *stel-yo-, suffixed form of root *stel- "to put, stand, put in order," with derivatives referring to a standing object or place).
systolic (adj.)
"pertaining to or marked by systole," 1690s, from Modern Latin systolicus, from Greek systolē "a drawing together, contraction" (see systole).
*syu-
syū-, also sū:-, Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to bind, sew."
It forms all or part of: accouter; couture; hymen; Kama Sutra; seam; sew; souter; souvlaki; sutra; sutile; suture.
It is the hypothetical source of/evidence for its existence is provided by: Sanskrit sivyati "sews," sutram "thread, string;" Greek hymen "thin skin, membrane," hymnos "song;" Latin suere "to sew, sew together;" Old Church Slavonic šijo "to sew," šivu "seam;" Lettish siuviu, siuti "to sew," siuvikis "tailor;" Russian švec "tailor;" Old English siwian "to stitch, sew, mend, patch, knit together."
syzygy (n.)
in astronomy, "conjunction or opposition of a heavenly body with the sun," 1650s, from Late Latin syzygia, from Greek syzygia "yoke of animals, pair, union of two, conjunction," from syzygein "to yoke together," from assimilated form of syn- "together" (see syn-) + zygon "yoke" (from PIE root *yeug- "to join"). Used in algebra from 18560, zoology by 1873. Related: Syzygial (1730); syzygeal; syzygiacal (1670s); syzygetic; syzygant (1882).
Szechwan
also Szechuan, place name, said to mean "four rivers," from Chinese si "four" + chuan "river."