january
UK[ˈdʒænjuəri]US[ˈdʒænjuˌeri]
n
the first month of the year, following December and preceding February
Etymology
The word 'January' originates from the Latin 'Iānuārius mēnsis', meaning "month of Janus." Janus was the ancient Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, doorways, passages, and endings. He is famously depicted with two faces, one looking to the past and the other to the future, perfectly symbolizing the contemplation associated with the start of a new year. The name was adopted into Old French as 'Janvier' and subsequently into Middle English, evolving into the modern 'January', directly linking the month to the concept of beginnings and reflection.
Analysis
The word is a loanword from Latin 'Iānuārius', the name of the month. It is not productively segmented using modern English morphemes.
Examples
My new job starts in January.
We always make resolutions at the beginning of January.
January is typically the coldest month here.