26 February 2016

metonymy

[mi-ton-uh-mee]

noun, Rhetoric.

1. a figure of speech that consists of the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related, or of which it is a part, as “scepter” for “sovereignty,” or “the bottle” for “strong drink,” or “count heads (or noses)” for “count people.”.

Origin of metonymy

Late Latin, Greek

1540-1550; < Late Latin metōnymia < Greek metōnymía change of name; see met-, -onym, -y3

Dictionary.com

Examples from the Web for metonymy

Historical Examples

The occasional increase of force produced by metonymy may be similarly accounted for.
The Philosophy of Style
Herbert Spencer

In both cases the term so approximates to the meaning of Earth, doubtless by metonymy, as to be indistinguishable from it.
Studies on Homer and the Homeric Age, Vol. 1 of 3
W. E. Gladstone

metonymy is the substitution of the name of one thing for that of another to which the former bears a known and close relation.
English: Composition and Literature
W. F. (William Franklin) Webster

By metonymy from this supreme and metropolitan quarter of Greece, it means the whole country.
Studies on Homer and the Homeric Age, Vol. 1 of 3
W. E. Gladstone

Often by a metonymy of speech the name of a part is given to the whole.
A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ
Archibald Thomas Robertson

metonymy consists in naming an object by one of its attributes or accompaniments.
Elementary Guide to Literary Criticism
F. V. N. Painter

Anagram

my toy men

Today’s quote

We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn to grow, to love … and then we return home.

– Aboriginal proverb

On this day

26 February 1829 – birth of Levi Strauss, German-born, American clothing manufacturer. Most notable for Levi jeans. Died 26 September 1902.

26 February 1928 – birth of Fats Domino, American rhythm and blues, and rock and roll musician. He sold more than 5 million records and had 35 U.S.A. Top 40 hits. His songs included Blueberry Hill, When My Dreamboat Comes Home, Whole Lotta Loving.

26 February 1932 – birth of Johnny Cash, American singer and musician. Cash was considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Hits included Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire, Get Rhythm, I Walk the Line, A Boy Named Sue. Died 12 September 2003.

26 February 1945 – birth of Peter Brock, Australian car racing legend. Died 8 September 2006.