colon

UK: ˈkəʊ.lɒn | US: ˈkoʊ.lən

Definition

  1. n. the punctuation mark (:) used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation

  2. n. the main part of the large intestine, responsible for water absorption and feces formation

  3. n. (rare) a verse or clause in a metrical composition

Structure
col <large intestine>on <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "colon" has dual origins:

  1. For the punctuation mark: Derived from Greek kōlon ("limb, clause"), referring to a section of a sentence. Latin adopted it as colon for rhetorical divisions.
  2. For the anatomy term: From Greek kolon ("large intestine"), retained in medical Latin. The suffix "-on" is neutral, marking it as a noun.
Examples

  1. Use a colon before listing items: "Bring these: apples, bread, and cheese."

  2. The colon absorbs water from undigested food.

  3. In poetry, a colon may separate metrical units.

  4. Doctors examined his colon during the procedure.

  5. The sentence after a colon often elaborates on the first clause.