enumeration

American  

[ih-noo-muh-rey-shuhn, ih-nyoo-] / ɪˌnu məˈreɪ ʃən, ɪˌnyu- /

noun

1. an act of enumerating.

2. a catalog or list.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• reenumeration
  noun
• preenumeration
  noun

Etymology

Origin of enumeration

First recorded in 1545–55, enumeration is from the Latin word ēnumerātiōn- (stem of ēnumerātiō ). See enumerate, -ion

Explanation

Enumeration means counting or reciting numbers or a numbered list. A waiter's lengthy enumeration of all the available salad dressings might seem a little hostile if he begins with a deep sigh. When you're reciting a list of things, it's enumeration. Your enumeration of complaints about your hotel room might be received with a smile by the manager, but she may be silently engaging in her own enumeration of the reasons she doesn't want you at her hotel. The root of the word "number" — numer, from the Latin numerus — is hiding in the middle of enumeration. Just remember to leave out the b from number when you spell it.