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vicenary

vicenary

9.9
About the number twenty or things in groups of twenty
  • adjective
  • /vɪˈsɛnəri/
  • Archaic
: vicenario
  • The ancient counting system was vicenary, grouping numbers in sets of twenty.

Examples

  • A vicenary system is less common than a decimal system, but still used in some cultures.

  • The language uses vicenary numerals, making calculations quite unique.

  • The vicenary system was used in ancient counting methods.

  • In some cultures, the vicenary approach to trade is still practiced.

  • The ancient counting system was vicenary, grouping numbers in sets of twenty.

  • In some cultures, the vicenary approach to trade is still practiced.

  • The language uses vicenary numerals, making calculations quite unique.

Synonyms

vigesimal
vsvicenary
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A counting system that uses twenty as its base

is broader, meaning any relation or grouping involving twenties rather than just counting

Surface Forms

vicenary positive

Morphology

vicenary = vicen + ary

The adjective is compositionally 'vicen' (a Latin combining form meaning 'twenty') + the productive adjectival suffix '-ary', but the root 'vicen' is not a standalone English word and is unlikely to be recognized by average B1 learners.

Etymology

Vicenary comes from the Latin root viginti, meaning 'twenty'. So, vicenary describes things that are based on or grouped in sets of 'twenty', for example a counting system that uses twenty as its unit.