centum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “centum” mean?
In historical linguistics, a designation for Indo-European languages in which the original velar sounds (like *k) remained stops, as opposed to changing to fricatives (like 's').
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In historical linguistics, a designation for Indo-European languages in which the original velar sounds (like *k) remained stops, as opposed to changing to fricatives (like 's').
Referring to a major division of Indo-European languages, or by extension, anything relating to or characteristic of that group. It can also refer to the numeral one hundred in a historical/Latin context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; the term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
No region-specific connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both registers. Usage is confined to historical linguistics and specific academic publications.
Grammar
How to Use “centum” in a Sentence
The term is used attributively, typically modifying 'languages', 'branch', or 'group'. It functions almost exclusively as a noun modifier.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centum” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The centum languages, such as Latin and Gothic, preserve the original velar stops.
American English
- The centum classification includes languages like English and Greek.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Standard term in historical/comparative linguistics for classifying Indo-European languages.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used to describe languages like Germanic, Celtic, Italic, Greek, and Tocharian in contrast to the satem languages like Indo-Iranian and Balto-Slavic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “centum”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “centum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centum”
- Using it as a general word for 'hundred'.
- Pronouncing it with an initial /s/ sound (like 'sent').
- Confusing it with 'satem' (its antonym).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is derived from the Latin word for one hundred, but in modern English it is not used with that meaning. It is exclusively a technical term in historical linguistics.
Examples include English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Greek, and Welsh, all descended from proto-languages that maintained the velar stops.
Yes, etymologically. Both come from the Latin 'centum' meaning 'hundred'. However, in modern English usage, they are completely separate lexical items.
It is pronounced /ˈkɛntəm/, with a hard 'k' sound at the beginning, not an 's' sound.
In historical linguistics, a designation for Indo-European languages in which the original velar sounds (like *k) remained stops, as opposed to changing to fricatives (like 's').
Centum is usually technical / academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'century' for one hundred; the 'CENT' in 'centum' languages kept their hard 'K/C' sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
A dividing line or fork in a language family tree.
Practice
Quiz
What is the antonym of 'centum' in Indo-European linguistics?