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A.Word.A.Day--eponym

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eponym (EP-uh-nim) noun

1. A person, real or imaginary, from whom something, as a tribe, nation, or place, takes or is said to take its name.

2. A word based on or derived from a person's name.

3. Any ancient official whose name was used to designate his year of office.

[Back formation from eponymous, from Greek epxnymos giving name.]

"H.J. Russell & Co. Why is the new president of this diversified service firm in Atlanta already making plans against the day when its 58-year-old founder, eponym, and CEO retires?" Carol Davenport, Fortune People: On the Rise, Fortune, 23 Oct 1989.

This week's theme: words about words.

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