αυτοκινητόδρομος
Wordform Details
Translation: highwaymotorwayfreeway
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: αυτοκινητόδρομος
Translation: highway; motorway; freeway; expressway; superhighway (noun)
Etymology: A compound word formed from 'αυτοκίνητο' (automobile) + 'δρόμος' (road, way). The first element comes from 'αυτός' (self) + 'κινώ' (to move), literally meaning 'self-moving', while 'δρόμος' derives from ancient Greek meaning 'a running, course, way'. This construction parallels English compound formations like 'motorway' or German 'Autobahn'. The word reflects the modern need to distinguish high-speed automobile roads from traditional roads designed for pedestrians, animals, and slower vehicles.
Mnemonics
- Think 'auto-kinetic-dromos' = self-moving road
- Remember: cars that move themselves need special roads
- Auto + kinetic + dromos = highway for moving cars
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Essential vocabulary for driving and transportation in Greece. Greek highways often connect major cities and islands (via bridges/ferries). The term is commonly seen on road signs and in traffic reports.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: δρόμος is a general word for any road or street, while αυτοκινητόδρομος specifically refers to a highway designed for high-speed automobile traffic
Notes: αυτοκινητόδρομος is always a major road, δρόμος can be any size from alley to avenue
Mnemonic: Highway = αυτοκίνητο + δρόμος (car road), regular road = just δρόμος