patronym

[ pa-truh-nim ]

noun

1. patronymic ( defs 3, 4 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of patronym¹

First recorded in 1825–35, patronym is from the Greek word patrṓnymos (adj.) patronymic. See patri-, -onym

Example Sentences

Not her husband’s child — her husband is in America, working — but a child without a patronym, a child who represents not so much her own disgrace as some dark and profound disequilibrium that threatens everyone.

From New York Times

Etymology.—A patronym for the collector of the type specimens.

From Project Gutenberg

He rearranged the first two letters of “patronym” to produce a coinage for a name that is apt.

From New York Times

Only a few noble families, especially in the islands, took the Catalan patronym.

From Project Gutenberg

On the breaking out of the Revolutionary War the family divided, the Loyalists changing their patronym to Secord by placing the prefix "d" at the end of their name.

From Project Gutenberg