toponymy

[ tuh-pon-uh-mee ]

noun

1. the study of toponyms.
2. Anatomy. the nomenclature of the regions of the body.

toponymy

/ ˌtɒpəˈnɪmɪk; təˈpɒnɪmɪ /

noun

1. the study of place names
2. rare.
   the anatomical nomenclature of bodily regions, as distinguished from that of specific organs or structures

Derived Forms

• toponymic, adjective

Other Words From

• top·o·nym·ic [top-, uh, -, nim, -ik], topo·nymi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of toponymy¹

1875–80; top- + -onomy, on the model of homonymy, synonymy; -onym, -y ³

Example Sentences

There’s even a name for the study of place names: toponymy.

From Washington Post

The study of geographic names is known as toponymy, and those who specialize in it say it's more than an academic pursuit.

From US News

However, the Olympic area has long been the source of cluttered toponymy.

From The Guardian