bissextus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Obsolete / HistoricalHistorical, Technical, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “bissextus” mean?
The intercalary day added to the Julian calendar in leap years, specifically February 24th.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The intercalary day added to the Julian calendar in leap years, specifically February 24th.
A term from historical calendar systems referring to the inserted or repeated day in a leap year; the origin of the modern term 'leap year.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No regional differences; term is equally obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely historical/technical; no modern connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare to non-existent in contemporary usage in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “bissextus” in a Sentence
[term] (of [year])Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical, philological, or calendrical studies.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used precisely in historical discussions of calendar systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bissextus”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bissextus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bissextus”
- Using it as a synonym for 'leap year' instead of 'leap day.'
- Pronouncing it as /baɪˈsɛkstəs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete historical term. The modern equivalent is 'leap day.'
From Latin 'bis' (twice) and 'sextus' (sixth), referring to the doubling of the sixth day before the Kalends of March.
'Bissextus' is the inserted day itself. 'Leap year' is the year containing that day.
Only for specialized historical or etymological interest. It is not necessary for general English communication.
The intercalary day added to the Julian calendar in leap years, specifically February 24th.
Bissextus is usually historical, technical, archaic in register.
Bissextus: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈsɛkstəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈsɛkstəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Year of bissextus, year of tears (archaic proverb).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BIS-SEXTUS: Think 'bis' (twice) + 'sextus' (sixth) — the 'twice sixth' day before March.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE CYCLE (requiring correction).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'bissextus' specifically refer to?