-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

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noun

confection

kun-FEK-shun/kənˈfekʃn/

An elaborately prepared sweet food.

The elegant confection layers chocolate and cream on a small white plate.

An elegant small confection of chocolate and cream on a white plate.

Etymology

conLatinwith, together; sometimes thoroughly

+fectLatindo, make

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The pieces express making things together: a confection was originally any preparation made by mixing ingredients. The meaning narrowed toward preparations containing sugar or syrup, eventually favoring candies and delicate pastries.

In context

Minnesota PBS35:14

they thought thought it might be a confection something we add sugar to and sell it as a candy

Flour Power | Full Documentary

More examples

She fills a gift box with handmade chocolate confections.
This layered confection combines crisp pastry, cream, and fresh raspberries.
The shop displays colorful confections shaped like tiny fruits.

Forms

confection · confections

confectioner noun — A person who makes or sells sweets.

confectionery noun — Candy and other specially prepared sweets.

Similar words

candy: Usually a sugar-based sweet, rather than an elaborate pastry.
dessert: Emphasizes serving a sweet dish at the end of a meal.
pastry: Specifically made with dough and not necessarily sweet.