Ames

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A proper noun typically referring to a city in Iowa known for its educational institutions and community life
2. A geographical location recognized as a city within the United States, often associated with academic and cultural activities
3. A municipal designation identifying a specific populated area noted for being home to a university and various local amenities

Etymology: Ames, Iowa is named for Oakes Ames, but the word itself is a clipping of the personal name Amy, with the suffix "-s" added. That "-s" is a hypocoristic ending, a pet-name suffix that turns a given name into a familiar, affectionate form, much as "Johns" or "Jims" might be used. So the name's origin lies in an ordinary English woman's name, not in the place itself. The city's name shows the same pattern of borrowing a personal name for a place. Its namesake, Oakes Ames, was a railroad and political figure, and the town took his surname. Because the source gives only the Amy-plus-"-s" pathway, that is the link that can be traced with confidence.

Synonyms: Ames test