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colon1 definition

co·lon (kō′lən)

noun

  1. a mark of punctuation (:) used before an extended quotation, explanation, example, series, etc. and after the salutation of a formal letter
  2. pl. cola co′la (-lə) in Greek prosody, a section of a prosodic period, consisting of a group of two to six feet forming a rhythmic unit with a principal accent

Etymology: L < Gr kōlon, part of a verse, member, limb < IE base *(s)kel-, to bend, crooked > L coluber, snake, calx, heel

colon2 definition

co·lon (kō′lən)

noun pl. colons -·lons or cola -·la (-lə)

that part of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum

Etymology: L < Gr kolon

Related Forms:

  • colonic co·lon′ic (kə län′ik) adjective
colon3 definition

co·lon (kō̂ lōn′; E kə lōn′)

noun

a colonist, esp. one who owns a plantation

Etymology: Fr

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