mecca
UK[ˈmekə]US[ˈmekə]
n
a place that attracts many people with a shared interest or background
n
the holy city of islam in saudi arabia, the birthplace of muhammad and the spiritual center of the islamic faith
Etymology
the word 'mecca' entered the english language in the late 16th century as a direct borrowing from arabic 'makka', the name of the holy city in the hejaz region of saudi arabia. the arabic name's own origins are uncertain but are traditionally associated with the semitic root 'm-k', relating to features like a valley or a place that is crowded. the term's journey from a specific geographical and religious proper noun to a common noun meaning 'a center of activity sought by many' is a classic example of semantic broadening. this figurative sense, capitalizing on the city's status as the ultimate pilgrimage destination for muslims, became established in english by the mid-19th century.
Analysis
this word is a proper noun adopted into english as a loanword. it is not segmented into meaningful morphemes within the english language system.
Examples
the silicon valley became a mecca for aspiring tech entrepreneurs.
every muslim who is able is expected to make a pilgrimage to mecca at least once in their lifetime.
the small coastal town has transformed into a mecca for surfers from around the world.