Kalenda

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term referring to the first day of the month in the Roman calendar, marking significant events or festivals
2. Denoting the monthly designation in ancient Roman timekeeping, often associated with public celebrations or religious observances
3. An historical reference used to indicate the specific day for lunar or solar events in the context of Roman culture and calendar systems

Etymology: Romans counted their months from a fixed point: the first day, which they called the "kalendae." That is the source of English "Kalends," the name for the first day of the month. The Latin word is generally traced to a verb meaning "to call out," probably because officials proclaimed the new moon and the coming days on that day. The spelling "kalenda" is an alternative form of "calinda," the name of a lively dance. The two words share one written shape but have no link to the Roman term, so the same letters can suggest a calendar or a dance depending on which history you follow.

Synonyms: calendar, first day, month start