-ode

¹

1. a suffix of nouns, appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “like”; used in the formation of compound words:

   phyllode.

-ode

²

1. a combining form meaning “way,” “road,” used in the formation of compound words:

   anode; electrode.

ode

³

[ ohd ]

noun

1. a lyric poem typically of elaborate or irregular metrical form and expressive of exalted or enthusiastic emotion.
2. (originally) a poem intended to be sung.

-ode

¹

combining form

1. denoting a path or way

   electrode

ode

²

/ əʊd /

noun

1. a lyric poem, typically addressed to a particular subject, with lines of varying lengths and complex rhythms See also Horatian ode Pindaric ode
2. (formerly) a poem meant to be sung

-ode

³

combining form

1. denoting resemblance

   nematode

ode

1. A kind of poem devoted to the praise of a person, animal, or thing. An ode is usually written in an elevated style and often expresses deep feeling. An example is “ Ode on a Grecian Urn ,” by John Keats .

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ode¹

< Greek -ōdēs, probably generalized from adjectives describing smells, as kēṓdēs smelling like incense; base ōd- of ózein to smell, give off odor

Origin of -ode²

< Greek -odos, combining form of hodós

Origin of -ode³

1580–90; < Middle French < Late Latin ōda < Greek ōidḗ, contraction of aoidḗ song, derivative of aeídein to sing

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ode¹

from Greek -odos, from hodos a way

Origin of -ode²

C16: via French from Late Latin ōda, from Greek ōidē, from aeidein to sing

Origin of -ode³

from Greek -ōdēs, from eidos shape, form

Example Sentences

It’s a small gesture that gets cheers from the crowd and an ode to the singer’s sexually loaded lyrics and his Latin dance skills.

From Salon

The brass band strikes up Ode to the Motherland as young children, kept up late for the occasion, their cheeks adorned with the Chinese flag, all shout in full song.

From BBC

Where to eat: Just a few minutes’ walk from the Hilton is the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum, an ode to a famous 18th-century New England tavern, where you can have New England baked cod but also more modern fare like vegetarian artichoke pizza.

From Los Angeles Times

After an aggressive and somewhat insulting birthday toast, Trump wheels out an American flag-shaped birthday cake festooned with sparklers, an ode to Cohn’s oft-repeated professions of love for country.

From Los Angeles Times

"Ultimately, Stacked is an ode to my love for sandwiches and a collection of my favorites which differ from others," Han said.

From Salon