mnemonics

[ni-mon-iks]

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noun (used with a singular verb)

the process or technique of improving or developing the memory.

Origin of mnemonics

First recorded in 1700–10; see origin at mnemonic, -ics

Also called mne·mo·tech·nics

[nee-moh-tek-niks] /ˌni moʊˈtɛk nɪks/.

mnemonic

[ni-mon-ik]

adjective

assisting or intended to assist the memory.

pertaining to mnemonics or to memory.

noun

something intended to assist the memory, as a verse or formula.

Computers. a programming code that is easy to remember, as STO for “store.”

Origin of mnemonic

1660–70; < Greek mnēmonikós of, relating to memory, equivalent to mnēmon- (stem of mnḗmōn) mindful + -ikos -ic

Related formsmne·mon·i·cal·ly, adverb

Can be confusedmnemonic pneumonic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for mnemonics

picture, image, thought, fantasy, reminder, memoir, vision, hint, suggestion, clue, concept, prompt, memo, cue, jog, representation, prod, mnemonic, help, twit

Examples from the Web for mnemonics

Historical Examples of mnemonics

The names of these septs are remembered by a system of mnemonics.
Castes and Tribes of Southern India
Edgar Thurston
I'm a student of mnemonics, you know, the art of memory perfection.
The Mind Digger
Winston Marks
To him the London School of Mnemonics was a sound commercial proposition.
Command
William McFee
The business of thinking was not so easy as the London School of Mnemonics made out.
Command
William McFee
The London School of Mnemonics had achieved another miracle.
Command
William McFee

British Dictionary definitions for mnemonics

mnemonics

noun (usually functioning as singular)

the art or practice of improving or of aiding the memory

a system of rules to aid the memory

mnemonic

adjective

aiding or meant to aid one's memory

of or relating to memory or mnemonics

noun

something, such as a verse, to assist memory

Derived Formsmnemonically, adverb

Word Origin for mnemonic

C18: from Greek mnēmonikos, from mnēmōn mindful, from mnasthai to remember

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for mnemonics

"art of developing memory," 1721; see mnemonic; also cf. -ics.

mnemonic

adj.

"aiding the memory," 1753, back-formation from mnemonics, or from Greek mnemonikos "of or pertaining to memory," from mnemon (genitive mnemonos) "remembering, mindful," from memne "memory, a remembrance, record, an epitaph; memory as a mental faculty," from base of mnasthai "remember," from PIE root *men- "to think" (see mind (n.)). The noun meaning "mnemonic device" is from 1858. Related: Mnemonical (1660s).

mnemonics in Medicine