Eponyms: Words Named After Historical Figures
Learn about eponyms, which are modern words named after real historical figures. Discover the origins and stories behind these unique vocabulary terms.
Questions
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MultiChoice
The word 'boycott' comes from Captain Charles Boycott. What happened to him in Ireland in 1880?
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The knitted garment known as a 'cardigan' was named after whom?
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The word 'chauvinism' (excessive patriotism) comes from Nicolas Chauvin, famous for what?
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The diesel engine was named after its inventor. What was his name?
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MultiChoice
The process of heating food to kill bacteria, 'pasteurization', was named after which scientist?
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MultiChoice
Facial hair known as 'sideburns' was originally called 'burnsides', named after which Civil War general?
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The word 'maverick' (an independent person) comes from Samuel Maverick. What was unusual about his cattle?
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The tight garment known as a 'leotard' was named after Jules Léotard. What was his profession?
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The word 'silhouette' comes from Étienne de Silhouette. Why was his name linked to outline portraits?
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The musical instrument 'saxophone' was named after its Belgian inventor. What was his name?
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MultiChoice
The electrical unit 'volt' was named in honor of which Italian physicist?
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MultiChoice
The small fish 'guppy' was named after Robert John Lechmere Guppy. What did he do?