palindrome
UK[ˈpælɪndrəʊm]US[ˈpælɪndroʊm]
n
A word, phrase, or sequence of characters that reads the same forwards and backwards.
Morpheme Breakdown
palin
drome
palin
again
drome
running, course
Etymology
The word "palindrome" is a modern coinage from the 17th century, constructed from two Greek roots. The first element, palin, meaning "again" or "back", conveys the idea of reversal or return. The second, dromos, meaning "a running" or "course", implies a path or sequence. Combined, the term literally describes a "running back again" or a "course that returns," which perfectly captures the defining characteristic of the linguistic form: a sequence of characters that runs its course and then runs back again upon itself. This elegant construction from classical elements provides a precise and logical label for a playful yet intellectually intriguing concept in language.
Analysis
Structure: palin (again) + drome (running, course)
- palin: From Greek palin, meaning "again, back".
- drome: From Greek dromos, meaning "a running, course, racecourse".
Examples
"Racecar" is a classic example of a palindrome.
The phrase "A man, a plan, a canal: Panama" is a famous palindrome.
Some people enjoy creating palindromic sentences as a form of wordplay.