THERE'S A WORD FOR THAT?

The "A.Word.A.Day" mailing list (http://wordsmith.org/awad/) defines a word that aptly describes some current numismatic terms like "raw coin" or "unslabbed coin":

"retronym (RE-truh-nim) noun [Latin Retro- back + -nym.]

A term, such as acoustic guitar, coined in modification of the original referent that was used alone, such as guitar, to distinguish it from a later contrastive development, such as electric guitar.

"I would think that the grocery lists would be filled with retronyms. Who felt the need, 25 years ago, to add 'regular' to their coffee order, 'real' to their request for sour cream...." Gaye LeBaron, Public Television 'Storm Damaged', The Press Democrat, 7 Mar 1996."

Wayne Homren, Editor

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The E-Sylum: Volume 3, Number 17, April 23, 2000, Article 5

THERE'S A WORD FOR THAT?

Wayne Homren, Editor