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amanuensis Definition

amanu·en·sis (ə man′yo̵̅o̅ en′sis)

noun pl. -·ses′-sēz′

an assistant who takes dictation or copies something already written; secretary: now a somewhat jocular usage

Etymology: L < a- (ab), from + manu, abl. of manus, a hand (see manual) + -ensis, relating to

amanuensis Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • use: You may wish to use an amanuensis ( somebody who writes down your words ), a computer or tape recorder.
  • employ: We were seldom able to copy our own compositions, and have employed an amanuensis for the last six years.
  • have: Dominic uses a computer for all writing activities - apart from examinations when he has an amanuensis.