requiem
UK[ˈrɛk.wi.əm]US[ˈrɛk.wi.əm]
n
A Christian religious ceremony for a dead person, especially a Mass.
n
A piece of music written for such a ceremony.
Etymology
The word 'requiem' originates from the Latin phrase 'requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine', the opening words of the Introit for the traditional Roman Catholic Mass for the Dead, meaning 'grant them eternal rest, O Lord'. The key term 'requiem' is the accusative singular of the Latin noun 'requies', meaning 'rest' or 'repose'. This noun itself is formed from the prefix 're-' (indicating intensity) and 'quies' (quiet, rest). Thus, the term is intrinsically linked to the concept of eternal peace for the deceased. Over time, its meaning expanded from specifically denoting the Mass itself to also include the musical compositions written to accompany the ceremony, becoming a standard genre in classical music.
Analysis
The entire word 'requiem' is a direct borrowing from Latin, functioning as an indeclinable noun in its source language. It is not productively formed from separable English morphemes.
Examples
The composer's final work was a profound and moving requiem.
A requiem Mass was held for the victims of the disaster.
She listened to the somber beauty of the requiem, reflecting on themes of mortality.