Question

eponymous adjective It's no coincidence that "eponymous" has to do with naming -- it comes to us from the Greek adjective "epōnymos," which is itself from "onyma," meaning "name." "Onyma" has lent its name to a number of English words, including "synonymous," "pseudonym," and "anonymous." Traditionally, an eponymous person or thing (i.e., an "eponym") might be a mythical ancestor or totem believed to be the source of a clan's name. Today, however, "eponymous" more typically refers to such individuals as the front man of "Theo's Trio" or the owner of "Sally's Restaurant"(Theo and Sally, respectively, of course). The things that are named for such name-providers are also "eponymous." For example, we can speak of "the eponymous 'Ed Sullivan Show'" as well as "the eponymous Ed Sullivan." : of, relating to, or being one for whom or which something is or is believed to be named

Accepted Answer

September 14, 2008 ih-PAH-nuh-mus Fans of The Steve Mapplethorpe Comedy Hour waited outside the studio exit in hopes of catching a glimpse of its eponymous host.

Word	eponymous
Date	September 14, 2008
Type	adjective
Syllables	ih-PAH-nuh-mus
Etymology	It's no coincidence that "eponymous" has to do with naming -- it comes to us from the Greek adjective "epōnymos," which is itself from "onyma," meaning "name." "Onyma" has lent its name to a number of English words, including "synonymous," "pseudonym," and "anonymous." Traditionally, an eponymous person or thing (i.e., an "eponym") might be a mythical ancestor or totem believed to be the source of a clan's name. Today, however, "eponymous" more typically refers to such individuals as the front man of "Theo's Trio" or the owner of "Sally's Restaurant"(Theo and Sally, respectively, of course). The things that are named for such name-providers are also "eponymous." For example, we can speak of "the eponymous 'Ed Sullivan Show'" as well as "the eponymous Ed Sullivan."
Examples	Fans of The Steve Mapplethorpe Comedy Hour waited outside the studio exit in hopes of catching a glimpse of its eponymous host.
Definition	: of, relating to, or being one for whom or which something is or is believed to be named

Eponymous Adjective Believed Named September Ih Pah Nuh Mus Coincidence Naming