Dictionary — ontologydriven

-ium en · X · etymology 1

From Latin -um (neuter singular morphological suffix), based on Latin terms for metals such as ferrum (“iron”).

(morpheme, uncountable, usually) Used to form the names of metal elements, after the style of early-named elements, as well as the isotopes of hydrogen.
(morpheme, uncountable, usually) Used to form the temporary systematic element name of a metallic or nonmetallic element which is postulated to exist, or which has been newly synthesized and has not yet been assigned a permanent name.
(morpheme, uncountable, usually) Used to form the name of polyatomic cations. Common examples are quaternary ammonium compounds used as neuromuscular blocking agents, cholinergic agents, anticholinergic agents, antibacterials/antiseptics, or other agents.
- Alternative form: -onium
(broadly, humorous, morpheme, uncountable, usually) Appended to common words to create scientific-sounding or humorous-sounding fictional substance names.
- Stupidium: Exposure to this Element can cause very silly behavior. 2007, Jason Lethcoe, Wishing Well, appendix, page ii:
- We're at the North Pole, aren't we? Let's just call the new element Santa Clausium! 2009, Selena Kitt, Quickies, page 91:
- According to the FAQ, a site's coolness can be attributed to a trace element called coolium. 1997, Bryan Pfaffenberger, Official Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 book, page 34:

Spelling	Features	Labels	Source
-iums	Number=Plur		lexicographic

Reanalysis from multiple Latin or New Latin compounds suffixed with -ium, whose function, among others, is to derive parasynthetic compounds.

(morpheme) Used to form the name of an aggregation or mass of something, such as biological tissue
- epithelium, pollinium
(morpheme) Forms the name of biological structures and parts.
- clinanthium, periodontium

Spelling	Features	Labels	Source
-iums	Number=Plur		lexicographic
-ia	Number=Plur		lexicographic

Reanalysis of Latin words suffixed with -tōrium, -ārium and -ium.

(morpheme) Used to indicate the setting where a given activity is carried out
- auditorium, gymnasium, planetarium

Spelling	Features	Labels	Source
-ia	Number=Plur		lexicographic
-iums	Number=Plur		lexicographic