contamino Latin · revision 5768

+ {{infobox|confidence=probable|formation=derivation|attested=Terence|origins=ine-pro *teh₂g-}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA (Classical): [kɔnˈtaː.mɪ.noː]^(Wiktionary)

+ * IPA (Ecclesiastical): [konˈtaː.mi.no]^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''contāminō''' (present infinitive contāmināre, perfect active contāmināvī, supine contāminātum); first conjugation^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a verb from a noun *contāmen “contact”, [[af|la|con-|*tāmen]], built on the root *tag- of [[tangō]] “to touch”, so that the first sense was “to bring into contact”.^(de Vaan 2008)^(OLD 2012)^(Wiktionary) The noun may come from *tagmen or *tagsmen, from [[ine-pro|*teh₂g-|t=to touch]].^(de Vaan 2008) The Romans already linked it with ''tangō'', since [[contāminātus]] was the opposite of [[integer]] “untouched”.^(de Vaan 2008)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ De Vaan dates it from Terence, who defends himself against the charge of “mixing up” Greek plays.^(de Vaan 2008)^(Gaffiot 2016) Köbler dates Terence 190–159 BC.^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ In Terence it meant to combine several comedies into one, and also to spoil a joy with some grief.^(Gaffiot 2016)^(OLD 2012) Accius uses it of debasing a stock by an inferior strain, and it meant to defile with filth, to profane something sacred, and to pollute morally, with crime or sexual intercourse.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ Döderlein says ''contāmināre'' is defilement in its harmful effect, the corruption of what is sound, while ''inquināre'' is defilement as disgusting.^(Döderlein 1874) Its past participle gave [[en|contaminate]] in the early 15th century, “infect, defile”.^(Etymonline) In modern scholarship ''contāminātiō'' is the combining of plots, from Terence's use.^(Gaffiot 2016)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 190–159 BC – Terence uses it of mixing comedies and of spoiling a joy.^(Gaffiot 2016)^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 170–c. 90 BC – Accius uses it of debasing a stock.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * early 15th century – English ''contaminate'' is recorded.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To mix, blend (several plays into one).^(Gaffiot 2016)

+ # To defile with filth, [[m|en|pollute]].^(OLD 2012)

+ # To debase by mixture, [[m|en|adulterate]].^(OLD 2012)

+ # To spoil, ruin, corrupt.^(OLD 2012)

+ # To render ritually unclean, [[m|en|profane]].^(OLD 2012)

+ # To pollute morally, defile.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[contaminabilis]]

+ * [[contāminātiō]]

+ * [[contaminator]]

+ * [[incontāminātus]]

+ * [[contāminātus]]

+ * [[incontāminābilis]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[tangō]]

+ * [[contāgiō]]

+ * [[integer]]

+ * [[en|contaminate]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ Döderlein distinguishes ''contāmināre'' (to corrupt by contact), ''inquināre'' (to dirty, loathsomely), ''polluere'' (to profane) and ''foedāre'' (to disfigure).^(Döderlein 1874)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}