cognomen

noun cog·no·men \käg-ˈnō-mən, ˈkäg-nə-\

plural cognomens or cog·no·mi·na \käg-ˈnä-mə-nə, -ˈnō-\

Definition of COGNOMEN

: surname; especially : the third of usually three names borne by a male citizen of ancient Rome — compare nomen, praenomen

: name; especially : a distinguishing nickname or epithet

— cog·nom·i·nal \käg-ˈnä-mə-n^əl\ adjective

See cognomen defined for kids

Latin, irregular from co- + nomen name — more at name

First Known Use: 1691

Synonyms: alias, byname, nickname, epithet, handle, moniker (also monicker), sobriquet (also soubriquet), surname

Next Word in the Dictionary: cognominationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: cognizeAll Words Near: cognomen

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