Eponym
noun
A person after whom a discovery, invention, place, etc., is named or thought to be named.
The sandwich is an eponym of John Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich.
Often appears as...
- become an eponym
- name is an eponym
noun
A name or noun formed after a person.
In the term 'pasteurization,' Pasteur is the eponym.
Often appears as...
- word is an eponym
- eponym for
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A person after whom a discovery, invention, place, etc., is named or thought to be named.
The sandwich is an eponym of John Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich.
Often appears as...
- become an eponym
- name is an eponym
noun
A name or noun formed after a person.
In the term 'pasteurization,' Pasteur is the eponym.
Often appears as...
- word is an eponym
- eponym for
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Recognition
An eponym often signals honor or recognition for notable contributions.
The Nobel Prize is the eponym of Alfred Nobel.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Significance
Eponyms can indicate historical relevance when they link to a person's legacy.
The Victorian era is an eponym of Queen Victoria.
Pro Tip 3/3Common Examples
Many common items and brands are eponymous and named after their inventors.
The jacuzzi is an eponym of Candido Jacuzzi.
Compare with
celebrityfoundericonnamesakeoriginatorprogenitorsource
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