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VICENARY (adj.)
Definition(s):
- (adj.) pertaining to the number twenty
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: (none)
- Anagrams: (none)
- Longer extensions: (none)
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: VIGESIMAL (adj.)
Epilogue:
Our current DECIMAL (base 10) number system is no more logical than QUINARY (5) or VICENARY (20) systems — all rooted in the ancient practice of counting using the fingers and/or toes. The VICENARY / VIGESIMAL system was common among several ancient cultures of Mesoamerica and South America. Other common number systems include DUODECIMAL (based on 12, after the number of lunar cycles in a year) and SEXAGESIMAL (based on 60, perhaps after its usefulness in making astronomical calculations). The sexagesimal system was also mentioned in the SAROS entry of the 28th ultimo.
The Latin viginti (“twenty”) is the root behind VICENARY, as well as:
- VIGESIMAL (adj.): pertaining to the number twenty
- VICENNIAL (adj.): pertaining to a period of twenty years
- VIGINTILLION (n.): originally the twentieth power of a million, or 10 to the 120th power; now often used for 10 to the 63rd power; also occasionally used as a general word referring to a large number
This week’s theme: Words starting with the letter V
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