mnemonic, a. and n.
(niːˈmɒnɪk)
[ad. Gr. µνηµονικ-ός, f. µνηµον-, µνήµων mindful, f. µνᾱ-, µνᾶσθαι to remember. Cf. F. mnémonique, Sp. mnemónico, Pg., It. mnemonico, G. mnemonisch.]
A. adj.
1. Intended to aid the memory; pertaining to mnemonics.
| 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp., Mnemonic Tables, among the artifices to assist the memory, this is one of great use. 1866 Felton Anc. & Mod. Gr. I. i. iii. 40 Many of the North American tribes had invented..a set of mnemonic signs, by which the words of popular songs, once learned, could be recalled to the memory. 1870 Jevons Elem. Logic xvi. 141 In the next lesson certain ancient mnemonic lines will be furnished. |
2. Of or pertaining to memory.
| 1825 Gentl. Mag. XCV. i. 234 The mnemonic power of the late Professor Porson. 1905 Sherard Oscar Wilde 246 We took immense pleasure in this mnemonic tourney. |
B. n. a. A mnemonic device. b. = mnemonics.
| 1858 J. Martineau Stud. Chr. 156 Serving the purpose of a theological Mnemonic to those who want a religion ready more than deep. 1836–7 Sir W. Hamilton Metaph. vii. (1859) I. 122 Mnemonic, or the science of the laws of Memory. 1899 Allbutt's Syst. Med. VII. 449 The different sounds are best remembered by the mnemonic given by Pitman. |