Etymology Map
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Compendium

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a collection of concise information

Where does the word "compendium" come from? It comes from Latin compendium, adopted directly into English (1580s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
compendium
Latin · ancient
"a saving, shortening"
'com-' plus 'pendere', to weigh
2
Stage 2 of 2
compendium
English · 1580s
"summary"
a short account of a larger work
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Compendium’s story begins in Latin: compendium meant “a saving, shortening.” 'com-' plus 'pendere', to weigh. It reached English by 1580s as compendium. A short account of a larger work. Today, compendium means a collection of concise information.