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mnemonics

[ni-mon-iks]
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noun (used with a singular verb)
  1. the process or technique of improving or developing the memory.
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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
  1. assisting or intended to assist the memory.
  2. pertaining to mnemonics or to memory.
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noun
  1. something intended to assist the memory, as a verse or formula.
  2. Computers. a programming code that is easy to remember, as STO for “store.”
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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. 2018

Related Words

pictureimagethoughtfantasyremindermemoirvisionhintsuggestionclueconceptpromptmemocuejogrepresentationprodmnemonichelptwit

Examples from the Web for mnemonics

Historical Examples

  • 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)
  1. the art or practice of improving or of aiding the memory
  2. a system of rules to aid the memory
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mnemonic

adjective
  1. aiding or meant to aid one's memory
  2. of or relating to memory or mnemonics
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noun
  1. something, such as a verse, to assist memory
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Derived Formsmnemonically, adverb

Word Origin

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

n.

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

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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).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
mnemonics in Medicine

mnemonics

(nĭ-mŏn′ĭks)
n.
  1. A system to develop or improve the memory.
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mnemonic

(nĭ-mŏn′ĭk)
adj.
  1. Relating to, assisting, or intended to assist the memory.
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n.
  1. A device, such as a formula or rhyme, used as an aid in remembering.
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Related formsmne•mon′i•cal•ly adv.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.