COLON Meaning and
Definition
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A colon is a linguistic punctuation mark that is primarily used to indicate a pause or a break in a sentence. It is represented by the symbol ":" and is placed between two main clauses that are closely related, where the second clause expands or explains the first. The colon is used to introduce lists or to direct attention to something that follows.
In grammar, a colon is also used to separate hours and minutes in time notation, as well as between chapters and verses in biblical references.
In anatomy, the colon is a vital part of the large intestine, which is a long, coiled tube that forms the final portion of the digestive system. It is responsible for the absorption of water and electrolytes from undigested food, and the formation of feces before elimination. The colon can be further divided into four sections: the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon.
In typography, a colon is a type of punctuation mark that is used to separate two clauses or phrases, and occasionally as a substitute for the word "note". It is often used in traditional writing styles, such as formal letters and headings, to introduce descriptive or explanatory statements.
Overall, a colon serves to provide clarity, introduce additional information, and create emphasis within various contexts of language and communication.
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The division of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum. The ascending c. (c. ascendens) runs upward on the right of the abdomen to the under surface of the liver, where, at the hepatic flexure (flexura coli dextra), it becomes transverse (c. transversum) and crosses the abdomen, beneath the liver and stomach, to the spleen, where, at the splenic flexure (flexura coli sinistra) it turns downward (c. descendens) and descends on the left side of the abdomen to a point opposite the crest of the ilium; here it makes several turns, roughly resembling the letter S (c. sigmoideum, sigmoid flexure) and terminates in the rectum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The largest of the intestines; in writing or printing, the mark (;) chiefly used to separate the perfect clauses of a sentence, and which indicates a longer pause than a semi-colon (;), but a shorter one than a period (.).
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for COLON *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for COLON
Etymology of COLON
The word "colon" has its origin from the Latin word "colon", which means "portion or division of land". In ancient Rome, a colon was a fixed amount of land given to a Roman citizen for agricultural purposes. Over time, the term began to be used more generally to refer to a settled area or a colony established by the Romans. In the English language, "colon" eventually came to refer to a punctuation mark (:) as it resembles two dots arranged in a line, similar to a pair of Roman land divisions. This usage, referring to the punctuation mark, dates back to the 1560s.
Similar spelling words for COLON
- coloma,
- colleen,
- Collin,
- Colonna,
- Collom,
- colony,
- Collum,
- colons,
- Colene,
- Coleen,
- column,
- Colin,
- Colen,
- clan,
- clown,
- Colan,
- clon,
- Collen,
- colone,
- Collene,
- coelom,
- color.
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