The word "chiliad" is spelled with three syllables: chi-li-ad. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /kɪ.liː.əd/. The first syllable "chi" is pronounced with a hard "k" sound followed by a short "i" as in "kick." The second syllable "li" is pronounced with a long "ee" sound as in "leap." The final syllable "ad" is pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "cat." Together these sounds create the unique spelling and pronunciation of the word "chiliad."
Chiliad is a noun that refers to a group or collection of 1,000 things or units. It is derived from the Greek word "chilioi," which means "a thousand." It typically suggests a large quantity or multitude, emphasizing the numerical value.
In contemporary usage, chiliad is often employed in more abstract or figurative contexts. It can describe a multitude of written works or a vast array of ideas or concepts. For instance, one might refer to a library housing a chiliad of books, highlighting the vast number of literary works available. Similarly, a chiliad of stars could denote an enormous quantity of celestial bodies in the night sky.
The term can also be used in historical or anthropological discussions. In ancient Greek or Roman societies, chiliads might have been used as a means of grouping or categorizing large numbers of people or objects. It can convey a sense of grandeur or significance in describing various aspects of the past.
Overall, chiliad signifies a specific quantity of 1,000 units or objects, but its usage extends beyond the strictly numerical realm. It often invokes a sense of abundance, multitude, or importance when describing a wide range of topics, from numerical quantities to intellectual or historical dimensions.
1000 years.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "chiliad" comes from the Greek word "khilioi", which means "a thousand". It is derived from the Greek prefix "chilioi-" denoting "thousand" and the noun suffix "-ad" denoting the count or group. In English, "chiliad" refers to a group or collection of one thousand things or a period of one thousand years.