editor-in-chief
UK[ˌedɪtər ɪn ˈtʃiːf]US[ˌedɪtər ɪn ˈtʃiːf]
n
the person who is in charge of a newspaper, magazine, etc., and decides what will be published in it
n
the person who is in charge of a particular section of a newspaper, magazine, etc.
Morpheme Breakdown
editor
in
chief
editor
one who edits
in
within, of
chief
head, leader
Etymology
the compound "editor-in-chief" is a relatively modern english formation, built from established words to precisely denote a hierarchical role. "editor" originates from the latin edere, meaning "to give out" or "publish," evolving to signify one who prepares content for publication. the preposition "in" situates this role within an organizational structure. "chief," derived from the latin caput for "head," signifies the person of highest authority. thus, the term literally and logically means "the head editor within the organization," a title that concretely reflects the chain of command in publishing and media.
Analysis
Structure: editor (one who edits) + in (within, of) + chief (head, leader)
- editor: from latin edere (to give out, publish), via latin editor (one who brings forth, producer). functional role: agent noun, indicating the person who performs the action of editing.
- in: from proto-indo-european en (in), via old english in. functional role: preposition, here forming a compound indicating a position or role within a hierarchy.
- chief: from latin caput (head), via old french chef. functional role: noun, indicating the leader or person of highest rank.
Examples
she was promoted to editor-in-chief of the national newspaper last year.
all final editorial decisions must be approved by the editor-in-chief.
the magazine's editor-in-chief wrote a compelling column for the anniversary issue.