anagram

UK: ˈænəɡræm | US: ˈænəɡræm

Definition

  1. n. a word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase (e.g., "listen" → "silent")

  2. n. the act or process of creating such a rearrangement

Structure
ana <back, again, from Greek>gram <letter, writing, from Greek>
Etymology

The word "anagram" originates from Greek roots: "ana-" meaning "back" or "again," and "-gram" meaning "letter" or "writing." It reflects the idea of rearranging letters to form new words. The term entered English via French in the late 16th century, retaining its original Greek structure. The logic is straightforward—reworking letters ("gram") in a different order ("ana").

Examples

  1. "Silent" is an anagram of "listen."

  2. The puzzle challenged players to find an anagram for "astronomer."

  3. She enjoys creating anagrams from famous names.

  4. The word "cinema" can be rearranged into "iceman."

  5. Anagram games are popular among linguistics enthusiasts.