onomasticon

[ on-uh-mas-ti-kon, -kuhn ]

noun

1. a list or collection of proper names.
2. a list or collection of specialized terms, as those used in a particular field or subject area.

Word History and Origins

Origin of onomasticon¹

1700–10; < Greek onomastikòn ( bíblion ) vocabulary arranged by subjects; onomastic

Example Sentences

In 1706 he completed the edition of Pollux’s Onomasticon begun by Lederlin; but the praise he received from his countrymen was more than counterbalanced by two letters of criticism from Bentley, which mortified him so keenly that for two months he refused to open a Greek book.

From Project Gutenberg

Julius Pollux, in his Onomasticon, has given a minute description of the mask appropriate to every dramatic character640.

From Project Gutenberg

Eusebius in his Onomasticon uses it as a central point from which the distances of other towns are measured.

From Project Gutenberg

When the words are arranged according to a definite system of classification under heads and subdivisions, according to their nature or their meaning, the book is usually called a classed vocabulary; but when sufficient explanations are given it is often accepted as a dictionary, like the Onomasticon of Julius Pollux, or the native dictionaries of Sanskrit, Manchu and many other languages.

From Project Gutenberg

He wrote, besides other lost works, an Onomasticon in ten books, being a classed vocabulary, intended to supply all the words required by each subject with the usage of the best authors.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• reference book