Commaes

/ˈkɒmeɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of comma; punctuation marks (,) used to separate elements within sentences, or in medical contexts, brief pauses or intervals.

Etymology

From Latin comma, from Greek komma meaning 'piece cut off' or 'clause.' In punctuation, it literally represents a 'short cut' in the flow of text.

Kelly Says

The comma's name comes from a Greek word meaning 'piece cut off'—punctuation was literally about cutting text into breathable pieces. Medieval monks who copied manuscripts invented many punctuation marks to help them know when to pause while reading aloud in church.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.