cohort
UK: ˈkəʊhɔːt | US: ˈkoʊhɔːrt
n. a group of people with a shared characteristic (e.g., age, experience)
n. (historical) a division of soldiers in ancient Rome
n. (statistics) a group studied over time in research
The word "cohort" originates from Latin cohors (genitive cohortis), meaning "enclosure" or "yard," later extended to refer to a military unit (as soldiers were grouped together in enclosed spaces). The prefix co- (together) emphasizes collective association. Over time, its meaning broadened beyond military contexts to describe any tightly knit group sharing common traits or experiences.
The study tracked a cohort of patients for ten years.
Roman generals relied on their loyal cohorts in battle.
She joined a cohort of entrepreneurs launching startups.
The 2020 graduate cohort faced unique challenges due to the pandemic.
Researchers compared two cohorts to analyze lifestyle effects.