rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: vertere
Latin

vertere

turn

Forms

  • vert-
  • vers- — Latin stem of the form meaning ‘turned.’

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *wer-, ‘turn; bend.’

Note

Turning can change direction, allegiance, or a state of affairs.

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noun

university

yoo-nih-VUR-suh-tee/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsəti/

An institution for advanced study and research that awards degrees.

Students cross the university courtyard between academic buildings.

A university courtyard with lecture hall, library and students carrying books; ethnically varied young adults.
Etymology
uniLatinone
+versLatinturn
+ityLatina quality or state

The image “turned into one” led to a word for a whole or collective body, then a corporation or society. Its academic use designated a community of masters and scholars, giving university its institutional meaning.

In context

RWUEDU8:44
Roger Williams University this is represented by the Board of Trustees our academic deans and the university vice president's
RWU Commencement 2018

More examples

  • She enrolled at a public university.
  • Several universities joined the research project.
  • The university awarded advanced degrees.

Forms

university · universities

Similar words

college
Can be a smaller degree-granting institution or part of a university.
institute
An organization for specialized study or research.