co-owner
UK[ˌkəʊ ˈəʊnə(r)]US[ˌkoʊ ˈoʊnər]
n
a person who owns something jointly with one or more other people.
Morpheme Breakdown
co
owner
co
together
owner
possessor
Etymology
the word 'co-owner' is a modern english compound formed by combining the latin-derived prefix 'co-' with the germanic-derived noun 'owner'. the prefix 'co-', a shortened form of the latin 'com-', has been productively used in english since the medieval period to denote joint action or association. the noun 'owner' stems from the old english verb 'agnian', which is related to the old norse 'eiga', both meaning 'to possess' or 'to have'. the logical construction of the term is transparent: it literally signifies 'a joint possessor', directly reflecting its legal and conventional meaning of shared ownership.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + owner (possessor)
- co: from latin prefix 'com-', meaning 'with', 'together', or 'jointly'. functions as a combining form indicating partnership.
- owner: from old english 'agnian', meaning 'to possess'. functions as a noun denoting one who has legal possession of something.
Examples
she became a co-owner of the family business after her father retired.
the property is held by the two brothers as co-owners.
as a co-owner of the patent, he is entitled to a share of the royalties.