AWAD Quiz 17: Strange Plurals
(AWAD - June 8 - 14, 1998) So
what is the plural form for the word "atlas"? Atlases? Yes, but not always. When
used to refer to collections of maps, it is "atlases." However, in architecture,
where atlas is a standing or kneeling figure used as a column, the plural form of the word
is "atlantes." While the rules for pluralization in the English language are
relatively simple, things do become muddled with exceptions, especially when the rules are
inherited from the language, the word came from. This week, let's take a look at words
that pluralize in rather novel ways. - Anu
Match up the words in the first column with their best definition in the second column.
What are the correct plurals for each of these words? See Anu's explanations
below.
| ___ chrysalis |
A. the possessions, such as
clothing and linens, that a bride assembles for her marriage. |
| ___ numen |
B. a presiding divinity or spirit
of a place. |
| ___ occiput |
C. the back part of the head or
skull. |
| ___ opus |
D. a musician with masterly
ability, technique, or personal style. |
| ___ stigma |
E. A mark or token of
infamy, disgrace, or reproach. |
| ___ trousseau |
F. A pupa, especially of a moth or
butterfly, enclosed in a firm case or cocoon. |
| ___ virtuoso |
G. A creative work, especially a
musical composition numbered to designate the order of a composer's works |
Pluralization
Explanations:
numen noun [plural numina]
opus noun [plural opera or opuses]
virtuoso noun [plural virtuosos or virtuosi]
Some other words that follow similar pluralization but
are mostly used in their plural form: graffito/graffiti paparazzo/paparazzi
confetto/confetti.
occiput noun [plural
occipita or occiputs].
trousseau noun [plural trousseaux or trousseaus]
chrysalis noun [plural chrysalises or chrysalides]
stigma noun [plural stigmata or stigmas]
Answers
chrysalis - F. A pupa, especially of a
moth or butterfly, enclosed in a firm case or cocoon.
numen - B. a presiding divinity or spirit of a place.
occiput - C. the back part of the head or skull.
opus - G. A creative work, especially a musical composition numbered to
designate the order of a composer's works
stigma - E. A mark or token of infamy, disgrace, or reproach.
trousseau - A. the possessions, such as clothing and linens, that a bride
assembles for her marriage
virtuoso - D. a musician with masterly ability, technique, or personal
style.
