A Word A Day - Mantra

Tuesday, 7 February 2006

This week's theme: loanwords from Sanskrit.

mantra

(MAN-truh) noun

1. A sound, word, or phrase that is repeated in prayer and is believed to have mystical powers. 2. An often repeated word or phrase that is closely associated with something; a slogan, byword, or a watchword.

[From Sanskrit mantra (thought, formula). Ultimately from Indo-European root men- (to think) which is the source of mind, mnemonic, mosaic, music, mentor, money, and mandarin.]

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