catalog
UK[ˈkætəlɒɡ]US[ˈkætəlɔːɡ]
n
A complete list of items, often arranged in a specific order.
v
To make a systematic list of items.
Morpheme Breakdown
cata
log
cata
completely
log
word, discourse
Etymology
The word 'catalog' originates from the Greek katalogos, meaning "a list, register, or enrollment." This Greek term is a compound of kata- ("down, completely") and legein ("to gather, to choose, to say"), with logos ("word, reckoning") derived from this verb. The literal sense is "a complete gathering or enumeration of items." It entered English via Late Latin catalogus and French catalogue, preserving the core idea of a thorough, itemized list. The modern spelling 'catalog' reflects an American English simplification, while 'catalogue' retains the French-influenced form.
Analysis
Structure: cata (completely) + log (word, discourse)
- cata: A prefix of Greek origin, meaning "down, completely, thoroughly."
- log: A combining form from Greek logos, meaning "word, speech, reason, discourse."
Examples
The library's online catalog makes it easy to find any book.
She spent the afternoon cataloging her extensive stamp collection.
The company mailed out its new product catalog to all its customers.