Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: "Zoomorphic"

Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski (for Merriam-Webster)
Episode Theme: Exploring the meaning, history, and usage of the word "zoomorphic"

Episode Overview

This episode introduces and explores the adjective "zoomorphic," delving into its meaning, linguistic roots, historical context, and how it compares to similar terms. The host provides cultural and etymological insights, including notable historical references and the word’s first known use in English.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Spelling (00:42)

• Word: Zoomorphic
• Spelling: "Z O O M O R P H I C"
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Definition: “It describes things that have the form of an animal.”

2. Example in Context (00:55)

• The host shares a clinically rich example from Smithsonian magazine, highlighting both anthropomorphic (human form) and zoomorphic (animal form) artifacts in early European history:
  • "The oldest known ceramics come from a handful of sites in the Czech Republic and date back to about 28,000 BCE, roughly 10,000 years after the Neanderthals went extinct. A now iconic figure of a woman and assorted ceramics were found at a Czech site in 1925. Additional anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines were found over the ensuing decades, and in 2002 fingerprints were discovered on many of the objects."

3. Historical Origin (01:35)

• The first known use in English is traced to a translation from French:
  • “The first known use of the word zoomorphic in English is a translation of the French word zoomorphique, used in a mid 19th century book on paleography to describe an ornately designed Greek letter in a manuscript from the Middle Ages.”
• Notable Quote:
  • “In these words, the text commences with a zoomorphic letter formed of two winged dragons united by the tails, the open space being ornamented with elegant arabesques composed of leaves and flowers.” (01:50)

4. Etymology (02:10)

• Roots:
  • “The zoo, or zoo in zoomorphic comes from the Greek noun zoeon meaning animal, and morphic, from morphe meaning form.”
• The word’s construction mirrors similar terms, notably anthropomorphic:
  • “The translation of zoomorphique to zoomorphic made perfect sense given the existence of a similarly constructed word, anthropomorphic, meaning having human form, which made its debut half a century earlier.” (02:15)

Notable Quote & Memorable Moment

• Explanation of Origin and Illustration:
  • "In these words, the text commences with a zoomorphic letter formed of two winged dragons united by the tails..." (01:50)
    • This evocative description helps listeners visualize zoomorphic art in historical manuscripts.

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Notes | |-----------|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:42 | Word introduction & spelling | Definition, pronunciation, and spelling of “zoomorphic” | | 00:55 | Usage in context | Smithsonian Magazine example of ancient figurines | | 01:35 | Historical background | First English use, translation from French | | 01:50 | Notable illustrative description | Description of medieval manuscript with zoomorphic art | | 02:10 | Word roots and related terms | Greek origins, comparison to “anthropomorphic” |

Tone & Delivery

Peter Sokolowski maintains a concise, informative, and inviting tone, blending dictionary expertise with accessible storytelling. He uses historical anecdotes and straightforward explanations to make the concept memorable.

Useful for anyone seeking a rich understanding of “zoomorphic,” this episode details not only the word’s definition but also its fascinating journey into English, how it relates to human and animal forms in art and language, and offers vivid historical imagery to deepen comprehension.