definitions

-tory

1

a suffix occurring in loanwords from Latin, originally adjectival derivatives of agent nouns ending in -tor (predatory); also forming adjectival derivatives directly from verbs (obligatory; transitory).

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Nearby words

-tomy, -ton, -tonia, -tonic, -tor, -tory, -trice, -trich, -tricha, -trichous, -tripsy

Origin of -tory

1
< Latin -tōrius, equivalent to -tōr- -tor + -ius adj. suffix

Definition for -tory (2 of 2)

-tory

2

a suffix occurring in loanwords from Latin, usually derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tor or directly from verbs, denoting a place or object appropriate for the activity of the verb: dormitory; repository.

Origin of -tory

2
< Latin -tōrium, noun use of neuter of -tōrius -tory1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019