twelfth

UK: twelfθ | US: twelfθ

Definition

  1. adj. constituting number twelve in a sequence

  2. n. one of twelve equal parts

Structure
twelf <twelve>th <ordinal suffix>twelf <twelve>th <ordinal suffix>
Etymology

The word "twelfth" evolved from Old English "twelfta," combining "twelf" (twelve) with the ordinal suffix "-tha" (modern "-th"). This structure mirrors other English ordinal numbers (e.g., "fourth," "fifth"), where the root number is modified by "-th" to indicate position in a sequence. The spelling adjustment ("twelf" to "twelft-") reflects phonetic assimilation for smoother pronunciation.

Examples

  1. December is the twelfth month of the year.

  2. She finished in twelfth place in the race.

  3. Cut the cake into twelfth parts for equal sharing.

  4. The twelfth chapter of the book reveals the climax.

  5. His birthday falls on the twelfth of November.