-ode

¹

1. a suffix of nouns, appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “like”; used in the formation of compound words:

   phyllode.

-ode

²

1. a combining form meaning “way,” “road,” used in the formation of compound words:

   anode; electrode.

ode

³

[ ohd ]

noun

1. a lyric poem typically of elaborate or irregular metrical form and expressive of exalted or enthusiastic emotion.
2. (originally) a poem intended to be sung.

-ode

¹

combining form

1. denoting a path or way

   electrode

ode

²

/ əʊd /

noun

1. a lyric poem, typically addressed to a particular subject, with lines of varying lengths and complex rhythms See also Horatian ode Pindaric ode
2. (formerly) a poem meant to be sung

-ode

³

combining form

1. denoting resemblance

   nematode

ode

1. A kind of poem devoted to the praise of a person, animal, or thing. An ode is usually written in an elevated style and often expresses deep feeling. An example is “ Ode on a Grecian Urn ,” by John Keats .

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ode¹

< Greek -ōdēs, probably generalized from adjectives describing smells, as kēṓdēs smelling like incense; base ōd- of ózein to smell, give off odor

Origin of -ode²

< Greek -odos, combining form of hodós

Origin of -ode³

1580–90; < Middle French < Late Latin ōda < Greek ōidḗ, contraction of aoidḗ song, derivative of aeídein to sing

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ode¹

from Greek -odos, from hodos a way

Origin of -ode²

C16: via French from Late Latin ōda, from Greek ōidē, from aeidein to sing

Origin of -ode³

from Greek -ōdēs, from eidos shape, form

Example Sentences

This music video is an ode to his one true love, complete with romantic rides on horseback.

From The Daily Beast

The simultaneously upbeat and sentimental ode to friendship is equal parts funk, trance, pop, and R&B.

From The Daily Beast

Minaj dropped her newest single Anaconda on Monday, a Sir Mix-A-Lot sampling ode to her own assets.

From The Daily Beast

“The Ladies Who Lunch,” an ode to jaded Manhattanites, stubbornness, and vodka stingers, became one of her two signature songs.

From The Daily Beast

Korean pop superstar Psy has teamed up with Snoop Dogg to create an indispensable ode to overindulgence.

From The Daily Beast

I will sing an ode to thee, as Hafiz has written and sung many a one to his; peace be to his memory!

From Project Gutenberg

The principal classes of lyric poetry are the song, the ode, the elegy, and the sonnet.

From Project Gutenberg

An ode is a lyric expressing exalted emotion; it usually has a complex and irregular metrical form.

From Project Gutenberg

A volume of her poems appeared in the following year, with Dryden's ode as an introduction.

From Project Gutenberg

It became the fashion in college to chant this martial ode whenever Hyacinth was seen approaching.

From Project Gutenberg