mnemonics, n. pl.
(nɪˈmɒnɪks)
[f. Gr. µνηµονικά, neut. pl. of µνηµονικός: see mnemonic and -ic 2 (-ics). Cf. F. mnémonique, Sp. mnemónica, Pg., It. mnemonica.]
The art of refreshing, improving, or developing the memory, esp. by artificial aids; a system of precepts and rules intended to aid or improve the memory.
| [1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Mnemonica.] 1721 Bailey, Mnemonicks, Precepts or Rules and common Places to help the Memory. 1755 in Johnson. 1824 Register of Arts & Sci. I. 46 (heading of paragraph) Mnemonicks. 1837 Pop. Encycl. V. 6/1 The ancients were well acquainted with mnemonics. 1843 Carlyle Past & Pr. ii. xvii, With all conceivable appliances and mnemonics. 1866 Brande & Cox Dict. Sci., etc., s.v., The common process of tying a knot in a handkerchief, &c., will exemplify the simplest species of mnemonics. |