decennial, a. (n.)
(dɪˈsɛnɪəl)
[f. L. decenni-um (see next) + -al1: cf. centennial. The L. adj. was decennāl-is, whence decennal.]
A. adj. Of or pertaining to a period of ten years.
| 1656 Blount Glossogr., Decennial, belonging to or conteining ten years. 1685 H. More Paralip. Prophet. 91 At a complete decennial interval. 1798 W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. IV. 111 The interest of a majority of the house..illegally to perpetuate its authority and vote itself decennial. 1866 Rogers Agric. & Prices I. xxv. 625 A table in which decennial averages may be stated. 1868 M. Pattison Academ. Org. iii. 52 The decennial return of income to be made by each college. |
b. Of persons: Holding office for ten years.
| 1728 Newton Chronol. Amended 37 Charops, the first decennial Archon of the Athenians. 1866 Felton Anc. & Mod. Gr. II. v. 74 Seven decennial archons carried on the government till b.c. 683. |
B. n. A decennial anniversary or its celebration. U.S.
| 1889 in Century Dict. |
Hence deˈcennially adv., every ten years.
| 1874 Daily News 16 Feb. 5/5 Opportunity of decennially reviewing the progress throughout the world of fine arts. |