noun / adjective
mnemonic
nih-MAH-nik/nɪmˈɑnɪk/
An aid to memory or something that helps with remembering.
The string tied around the finger serves as a mnemonic.
Etymology
The pieces describe something connected with remembering. English first used mnemonic as an adjective meaning 'aiding memory,' then as a noun for a device that provides that aid.
In context
And the easiest way to remember the location of the carpals is to use a mnemonic.
More examples
- The first letters of the list form a handy mnemonic.
- Rhymes can serve as mnemonic devices for spelling tricky words.
- Students invent their own mnemonics for the steps in the process.
Forms
mnemonic · mnemonics
Similar words
- reminder
- Prompts remembering, but need not help encode information in memory.
- cue
- Triggers recall through association rather than organizing information for memorization.