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eponym definition

epo·nym (ep′ə nim′)

noun

  1. a real or mythical person from whose name the name of a nation, institution, etc. is derived William Penn is the eponym of Pennsylvania
  2. a person whose name has become identified with some period, movement, theory, etc.

Etymology: < Gr epōnymos, eponymous < epi-, upon + onyma, name

Related Forms:

  • eponymous epony·mous (ē pän′ə məs, i-) adjective or eponymic epo·nymic (ep′ə nim′ik)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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