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byword
Definitions
(2)
1
noun
A
person
or
thing
that
is
a
perfect
example
of
a
particular
quality
or
characteristic
.
Her
name
became
a
byword
for
excellence
in
the
field
of
science
.
The
company's
dedication
to
quality
has
made
it
a
byword
in
the
industry
.
His
generosity
is
a
byword
among
his
friends
.
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2
noun
A
word
or
phrase
that
is
commonly
used
as
a
synonym
or
substitute
for
something
else
,
often
with
a
negative
connotation
.
The
town
became
a
byword
for
corruption
after
the
scandal
.
His
name
is
a
byword
for
dishonesty
in
the
business
world
.
The
term
'
fast
food'
has
become
a
byword
for
unhealthy
eating
.
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Word games
Word Origin
Language
Old English
Word parts
by (near, secondary) + word (speech, expression)
Originally meant
a secondary or additional word
Background
The term 'byword' has been used since Old English times to refer to a saying or proverb. Over time, it evolved to mean a person or thing that exemplifies a particular quality, often used in a negative context.