Word of the Day - 08/31/26
viaticum
/vaɪˈætɪkəm/(n.): the Eucharist or Communion as given to a person dying or in danger of death
The priest administered the viaticum to the dying patient, offering spiritual comfort in their final moments.
(n.): provisions, money, or necessities for any journey
Before embarking on the long voyage, the explorers gathered all their viaticum, ensuring they had enough supplies for the arduous journey.
Word Origin
The word 'viaticum' originates from Latin. It is derived from the Latin noun 'via', meaning 'road' or 'way', combined with the suffix '-aticum', which forms nouns indicating something pertaining to or for. Thus, 'viaticum' literally translates to 'provisions for a journey' or 'money for a journey'.
Words with similar origins include 'voyage', which comes from Old French 'voiage' ultimately from Latin 'viaticum'; 'deviate', from Latin 'de' (away from) + 'via' (road); 'obviate', from Latin 'ob' (in the way) + 'via' (road); 'previous', from Latin 'prae' (before) + 'via' (way); and 'trivial', from Latin 'tri' (three) + 'via' (road), referring to something common or found at a crossroads.