topical etymology

Etymology

Topical comes from the Latin word "topicus," which is derived from the Greek term "topos," meaning "place."

Meaning

Topical means:

• Relating to or applied to a specific area, place, or topic: "topical ointment"
• Limited in scope or application: "a topical discussion"
• Relevant or pertinent to a particular subject: "topical references"

Origin

The use of "topical" to describe something related to a specific place or subject dates back to the ancient Greeks. In their philosophical writings, they used the term "topos" to refer to a place or position in an argument or discussion.

During the Roman Empire, "topicus" was adopted into Latin and used to describe anything related to a particular location or subject matter. This usage continued throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance.

In the 17th century, "topical" began to be used in English to describe something that is applied to a specific area of the body, such as a topical ointment. This usage has since expanded to include other areas, such as discussions and references.

topical relate terms

• topic

  Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words as well as their meaning and fo

• topos

  Etymology Meaning and Origin of Topos Origin Greek τόπος topos Etymology

• desultory

  Etymology The word desultory originates from the Latin word desultor which means v

• ideology

  Etymology The word ideology is derived from the French word idéologie which in turn

• category

  Etymology The word category derives from the Ancient Greek word kategoria meaning

• ground

  Etymology The word ground has several origins Old English grund meaning soil

• absorb

  Etymology The word absorb comes from the Latin word absorbere which means to suck

• praise

  Etymology of Praise Origin Old French preisier 12th century Relation to Other Lan

• distress

  Etymology Old French destresse Late Latin districtius comparative of districtus mea