Culture

Definition of memento

The first thing we need to establish is that the term memento that we are dealing with here is a pure Latinism. It refers to a part of the Mass that was introduced back in the 4th century and that began with that word that can be translated as “Remember” or “Remember”. According to […]

Definition of meme

Meme is a term coined by British biologist Richard Dawkins in 1976, from the word gene (which translates as “gene”) and mímēma (something that is imitated). The latter is a Greek word that, in turn, comes from the term mimeisthai (which can be translated as “the action of imitating”) and the noun mimos (which […]

Definition of letterhead

A letterhead is something that is placed at the top of a page, mentioning the title or name of an individual, a company, etc. The term can also refer to the title or name of someone to whom a letter is addressed. Let’s take the case of a note that a telephone company sends […]

Definition of melody

The Latin word melōidía came to Late Latin as melodĭa. This is the immediate etymological antecedent of melody, a term that has several uses in our language. The first meaning mentioned by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) in its dictionary refers to the delicacy and sweetness of a sound produced by a musical instrument or […]

Definition of medallion

Medallion is an augmentative of medal. It is, therefore, a rounded metal object that displays an inscription, a figure or a symbol. Although medallions are usually round in shape, there are also some that are oval. These pieces can be worn around the neck as an ornament. Ancient peoples used medallions with religious meanings […]

Definition of medal

The concept of medal, which comes from the Latin word medaglia, refers to a metal object, usually rounded and thin, that has a symbol, an inscription or a carved or engraved figure. Medals, therefore, resemble small discs. Similar to coins, although larger, medals are made of metal.

Definition of patron

Several decades before Christ, the Roman Emperor Augustus had an advisor who was also dedicated to promoting the arts: Gaius Maecenas. This man used to protect poets and creators and sponsor their activities. From this historical figure arose the common noun patron. This is the name given to an individual who financially supports a person […]

Definition of dungeon

The classical Arabic maṭmūrah, which can be translated as “silo”, came to Hispanic Arabic as maṭmúra. This is the immediate etymological antecedent of mazmorra, a term in our language that refers to an underground dungeon. Dungeons, therefore, were located in places that were difficult to access, which increased the complexity of an eventual escape. […]

Definition of mausoleum

A mausoleum is a lavish tomb. The term comes from Mausolēum, a Latin word that referred to the tomb of Mausolus, who was the monarch of Caria between 337 BC and 353 BC. When Mausolus died, his wife, sister and successor Artemisia called upon great Greek sculptors and architects of the […]

Definition of morning

Originating from the Latin word matutīnus, matutino is an adjective that refers to something linked to the morning schedule. What takes place or is carried out at the beginning of the day, therefore, is called matutino. For example: “I prefer the morning schedule for writing”, “The team coach reported that tomorrow […]