memento
UK: məˈmentəʊ | US: məˈmentoʊ
n. an object kept as a reminder of a person or event
n. (Christianity) a part of the Mass referring to the dead or the living
memento = mement<remember> + o<noun suffix>
- mement (from Latin memento, imperative of meminisse "to remember")
- o (a noun-forming suffix, often used in Latin-derived words)
Etymology Origin:
The word memento originates from the Latin imperative memento, meaning "remember!" It was used in religious contexts (e.g., Memento mori—"Remember you must die"). Over time, it evolved into a noun in English, referring to an object that serves as a reminder of a person, event, or concept. The suffix -o is typical in Latin-derived nouns, giving the word its tangible, object-like connotation.
She kept the seashell as a memento of her trip to the beach.
The old photograph served as a memento of his childhood.
The museum sells small mementos for visitors to take home.
He gave her a bracelet as a memento of their friendship.
The book included a memento from the author’s travels.