rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -osus
Latin

-osus

full of, having; characterized by

Forms

  • -osus
  • -ous — English ending developed through French.
  • -ose — A learned English form based on the Latin suffix.

Origin

Latin -osus, a suffix attached to nouns; its deeper formation is uncertain.

Note

Usually marks a characteristic, without requiring a literal abundance of anything.

77 / 117
A compact, densely inhabited apartment neighborhood: many residents are visibly at home across closely stacked balconies and open windows, while neighbors occupy the shared entrance.
adjective

populous

PAHP-yuh-luhs/ˈpɑːpjələs/

Having a large population.

Etymology
populLatinpeople or a community
+ousLatinfull of, having; characterized by

The pieces express “full of people.” Applied to a place, this describes an abundance of inhabitants, especially in relation to the area's size.

Full entry

Related word entries