Anime

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈæn.ɪ.meɪ/

Definitions

1. A form of animated content that comes from Japan, showcasing distinct visual techniques and storytelling, often derived from illustrated narratives
2. A Japanese-originated animation style that emphasizes creative artistry and engaging plots, frequently inspired by illustrated works
3. A style of animation originating in Japan that features unique artistic techniques and engaging storylines, often based on comics or graphic novels

Etymology: The Japanese word "anime" is a shortened form of "animēshon," which is itself a Japanese borrowing of the English "animation." That English word traces back to Latin "animātiō," a noun from "animāre," meaning to give life or breath to something, from "anima," breath or soul. So the word is, in effect, a clipped echo of the idea of giving something life. The abbreviation is the interesting twist. Japanese speakers trimmed "animēshon" down to "anime," and the clipped form was then borrowed back into English, where it now names Japanese animation specifically rather than animation in general. A word that began as an English term for all moving drawings returned to English as a label for one national tradition. A second, less certain account also circulates: a claim that the word derives from French "animé," meaning animated, in reference to insects trapped in amber. The Japanese-from-English pathway is the one that is documented.