Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Retronym

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-Retronym

Definition: A term previously not needed, created because of the
existence of a later word.

Example: Acoustic guitar. Before electric guitars came to pass, all
guitars were acoustic so the term was not needed; "analog watch" and
"film camera" are retronyms.

What is your favorite retronym?

(Thanks to Ed Kearns for the suggestion)
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