memoir

UK: ˈmemwɑː(r) | US: ˈmemwɑːr

Definition
  1. n. a written account of one's personal experiences or memories

  2. n. a historical record or biography based on personal knowledge

  3. n. (plural) a collection of essays or reports on a learned subject

Structure
mem <memory>oir <noun suffix (French origin)>
Etymology

The word "memoir" originates from the French mémoire (memory), derived from Latin memoria (remembrance). The suffix -oir is a French nominal ending, often indicating a thing related to the root. Over time, "memoir" evolved in English to specifically denote a written record of personal experiences, blending the concept of memory with structured narrative.

Examples
  1. She published a memoir about her years as a war correspondent.

  2. The general's memoirs provide insight into the strategic decisions of the battle.

  3. His latest work is a memoir of growing up in rural France.

  4. The academic society released its annual memoirs on linguistic studies.

  5. Reading her memoir felt like stepping into her vivid memories.