intercalary etymology

Etymology:

  • Derived from Latin "intercalāris," meaning "inserted" or "interpolated."
  • From "intercalāre," meaning "to insert."
  • Ultimately from "calāre," meaning "to call" (referring to the practice of inserting extra days into the calendar).

Meaning:

Intercalary refers to something that is inserted or added at irregular intervals, or to something that is extra or supplementary. It is commonly used to describe:

  • Days or months: Added to a calendar to adjust for the difference between the solar year and the lunar year or other calendar systems.
  • Plants: Occurring at irregular intervals, such as flowers that bloom every few years.
  • Events: Occurring sporadically or at unusual times, such as intercalary eclipses.

Origin:

The concept of intercalation dates back to ancient times. Calendars based on the lunar cycle, such as the Roman calendar, often had to be adjusted to keep them aligned with the solar year. This was done by adding extra days or months (e.g., leap days or leap months) at specific intervals. The practice was known as "intercalation."

Over time, the term "intercalary" has come to encompass a wider range of meanings, including anything that is inserted or added at irregular or unusual intervals.

intercalary relate terms

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    Etymology From Latin intercalāre to insert interpolate from inter between

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    Etymology Latin calendae first day of the month Proto Indo European kwele n

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  • felon

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