The word "mace" can be spelled with the letters m-a-c-e. The IPA phonetic transcription for "mace" is /meɪs/. The phonemes in this word include /m/ for the initial consonant, followed by the long vowel sound /eɪ/ and ending with the voiceless fricative consonant /s/. "Mace" can refer to a spice made from the outer layer of nutmeg or a heavy club-like weapon. Proper spelling and pronunciation are important to avoid confusion and ensure effective communication.
Mace is a noun that holds multiple meanings and can refer to different items, depending on the context it is used in.
1. Mace is commonly known as a traditional weapon that originated in medieval times. It is a heavy club-like weapon made of metal and typically has a spiked ball attached to the end. Maces were primarily used by knights and warriors during battles, as their design allowed for powerful strikes against armored opponents.
2. In the context of law enforcement, mace refers to a chemical spray designed to immobilize or incapacitate a person temporarily. This type of mace usually contains an irritant, such as pepper spray, that causes inflammation and severe discomfort when sprayed on an attacker's face.
3. Mace can also refer to a spice derived from the outer covering of the nutmeg seed. It is often used in cooking to add a rich and warm flavor to various dishes. Mace is known for its distinct aroma and is commonly found in cuisines around the world, particularly in baking and savory recipes.
4. In certain parliamentary and legislative systems, mace represents a symbol of authority and order within the chamber. It is a rod or staff made of precious metals, usually ornamented with elaborate designs, and is carried by a key figure, such as a speaker or sergeant-at-arms, during official proceedings to symbolize their authority and control over the session.
Overall, "mace" encompasses a range of definitions, including a weapon, chemical spray, spice, and a symbol of authority, depending on the specific context it is used in.
Arillus myristicae, the arillode, or husk, surrounding the nutmeg; employed for the same purposes as nutmeg.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• The insignia of authority in the form of a club, and generally surmounted by a crown, borne before high officials, as mayors, lord provosts, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lord Chancellor, &c.; anciently, a weapon of war in the form of a club; the heavy rod used at billiards.
• A spice; the aril or second coat of the nutmeg.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "mace" was derived from the Old French word "masse", which in turn came from the Vulgar Latin word "mattea". This Latin term was a variant of the classical Latin word "matara" or "matulus", meaning "a mallet" or "club". The word "mace" originally referred to a heavy, blunt weapon often made of metal and used in combat. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the ceremonial staff carried by officials as a symbol of authority. Hence, the word "mace" came to be associated with both a weapon and a staff.