οδός
Lemma: οδός
Translation: street; road; way; path; route (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὁδός (hodos) meaning 'way, path, road, journey'. This word is the source of many English words including 'odometer' (road-measurer), 'exodus' (way out), 'episode' (something coming in addition to the main path), 'method' (way after/toward), and 'period' (way around). The root appears in medical terms like 'cathode' (way down) and scientific terms. This makes οδός one of the most etymologically productive Greek roots in English, appearing in dozens of common words.
Mnemonics
- Think 'odometer' - it measures the road (οδός)
- Remember 'exodus' - the way out contains οδός
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Used in formal contexts like street names and official addresses. Often appears in compound words and technical terminology. More formal than δρόμος in everyday speech.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: δρόμος is more colloquial and commonly used in everyday speech, while οδός is more formal and official
Confused word:
Περπατάω στο δρόμο.
I'm walking on the street.
Notes: οδός appears more in street signs and formal addresses, δρόμος in casual conversation
Mnemonic: οδός for official addresses (like 'odometer' is official), δρόμος for daily talk (sounds like 'drama' - everyday life)