English Lexicon

cognomen

/kɒɡˈnoʊmən/
nounCEFR C2 (Proficient)Top #45000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    An extra personal name given to an ancient Roman citizen, in addition to the praenomen and nomen; a surname or family name.

    "Scipio Africanus earned his famous cognomen through his military victories."
  2. 2

    A nickname or descriptive title.

    "He was given the cognomen 'The Iron Duke'."

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Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Latin, from com- (expressing intensive force) + gnomen, variant of nomen 'name'. Originally used in ancient Rome to indicate the third name of a Roman citizen, denoting the branch of a family.

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