What is the definition of sesquipedalian?
What is the definition of Sesquipedalian:
Sesquipedalian: A long polysyllabic word that means having many syllables or using long words.
From the Latin sesqui- meaning one and a half times + ped, pes meaning foot. In Ars Poetica, the Roman poet Horace cautioned young poets against using "sesquipedalia verba" -- "words a foot and a half long."
For example:
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanosconiosis.
More Info:
www.medicinenet.com
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6 Comments
SeasonedAngel
Rat Fink. Saw ped in the word & immediately thought legs.
SeasonedAngel
Claudia Heilke, Thank You! Knew that ped meant foot, so figured leg was closest answer. I should have been a bit clearer in my comment. Thank You!
Claudia Heilke
SeasonedAngel, me, too except that ped means foot.
Leslie Clive Bedford
Ben, Never mind remembering the word.How many can spell the word and tell you the word’s meaning or as many English language teachers like to ask their pupils use the word in a sentence.
Ben
Nobody can remember this word.
Bob Gorby
Bob Gorby, o dust: obfuscation