Opifex

Grant gives Martha a pop quiz about the meaning of the English word opifex. And no, it’s not a hoofed African quadruped. This is part of a complete episode.

Transcript of “Opifex”

Hey, you want to hear a word I just learned?

Oh, okay. Sure.

I think you’ll like it, and there’s a reason.

Okay.

The word is opifex, O-P-I-F-E-X.

Opifex?

Yeah. What do you think it means?

Oh, I’m not mispronouncing that.

Opifex? Well, the fex must be maker.

It must come from Latin facere, meaning to make, right?

That’s right, yes.

So it’s a maker of oppies.

Is it wealth? Is it something that makes you wealthy?

Well, no, it’s a little simpler than that.

It’s Latin for workman or artist.

Oh, like opus.

Right, so workmaker of anything, really, or helper, even.

Okay.

Opifex, I liked it.

I liked it.

It was a great Latin word.

I’m like, this one should be adopted into English.

Well, Grant, you can probably sell that name to some naming company.

Opifex Solutions.

There we go.

All those companies have solutions in their name.

Opifex Solutions.

We make copiers.

Thank you for sharing.

And if you’d like to share your thoughts about language, call us.

1-877-929-9673.

That’s 1-877-Wayword.

Or email us at the address is words@waywordradio.org.

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