enumeration
UK[ɪˌnjuːməˈreɪʃn]US[ɪˌnuːməˈreɪʃn]
n
The action of mentioning a number of things one by one.
n
A numbered or listed item.
Morpheme Breakdown
e
numer
ation
e
numer
number
ation
Etymology
The word 'enumeration' has a clear and logical lineage from Latin. It is built upon the root 'numerus', meaning "number", which itself may trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root nem-, meaning "to assign, allot, take". The Latin prefix 'ex-' (here assimilated to 'e-') means "out", combining to form the verb 'enumerare', literally "to count out" or "to reckon up". The addition of the noun-forming suffix '-ation' transforms the action into its result or process, leading to the modern English meaning of a detailed, item-by-item listing or count.
Analysis
Structure: e + numer + ation
- e (variant of 'ex'): Latin origin, meaning "out".
- numer: Latin origin, from 'numerus', meaning "number".
- ation: Latin suffix, forming nouns of action or state.
Examples
The report included a lengthy enumeration of the project's shortcomings.
She began the enumeration of her reasons for resigning.
The final section of the form is an enumeration of emergency contacts.