Vocab Bloom Hub

retronym

/ˈrɛtrəʊnɪm/

1 entry

noun

/ˈrɛtrəʊnɪm/C1formaltechnical
  • ruСуществительное, обозначающее слово или фразу, созданные для различения старой версии или исходной формы чего-либо от новой, поскольку существующий термин стал неадекватным или двусмысленным.

A noun referring to a word or phrase created to distinguish an older version or original form of something from a newer one, because the existing term has become inadequate or ambiguous.

  1. New term for old conceptC1formal

    A word or phrase created to distinguish an older version of something from a newer version that has taken over the original name.

    ruНовый термин для старого понятия

    • 'Acoustic guitar' is a retronym created after the electric guitar became popular.
    • 'Analog watch' is a retronym used to differentiate from digital watches.
    • 'Landline phone' is a retronym that emerged after mobile phones became common.
Forms
  • retronyms plural form
  • retronyms' possessive plural form
  • retronym's possessive singular form