English Explanatory Dictionary

-a-

English dictionary entry

Meanings

interfix
  1. Connective interfix used in forming compounds, often no longer carrying a distinct meaning.
conj
  1. And
infix
  1. Connective infix encountered in loanwords and phrases, generally no longer carrying a distinct meaning.
infix
  1. Replacing carbon, especially in a ring.
infix
  1. A monoclonal antibody derived from a rat.

Word forms

-a- à -à-

Etymology

From of a (as in half-a-crown) or of (as in jack-a-napes from Middle English Jak of Naples). Some terms have fully incorporated the use, as ragamuffin and jackanape(s); others arise from mistaken assimilation to the form, as all-a-gog and cock-a-leekie.

Synonyms

o' an' n'

Related words

-mab is the base suffix common to all monoclonal antibodies

Derived words

blackamoor cock-a-hoop cock-a-leekie half-a-crown jack-a-dandy jack-a-lantern Jack-a-Lent jack-a-napes jackanape John-a-dreams ragamuffin all-a-mort mano-a-mano vis-a-vis
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