septenary
- noun
- /ˈsɛptəˌnɛri/
- In mathematics, a septenary system is based on the number seven.
Examples
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Seven dwarfs in a fairy tale make up a septenary group of characters.
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Hence, three plus four make seven, that Septenary a Sabaoth into which the creature enters.
Fiction book (1991) -
The artist painted a septenary mural representing the seven virtues.
Synonyms
The number after six and before eight
A group of seven similar people or things, for example seven babies born together
A group of seven people, often musicians or a piece for seven players
A group of seven things or the number seven
A group of seven people or things seen as one unit, often musicians
Surface Forms
Morphology
septenary = seven (semi-transparent) = septen + ary
Meaning 'relating to seven' is directly derived from the numeral, but the classical combining form ('septen-') differs in form from modern 'seven', so the relation may not be obvious to many learners.
Etymology
The word septenary comes from the old Latin word septem, which means 'seven'. So septenary refers to the number seven or a group of seven, like the idea behind September, which was originally the seventh month.