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Dictionary Language resources

teetotum

Pronunciation: /tiːˈtəʊtəm/

Definition of teetotum

noun

a small spinning top spun with the fingers, especially one with four sides lettered to determine whether the spinner has won or lost.

Origin:

early 18th century (as T totum): from T (representing totum, inscribed on the side of the toy) + Latin totum 'the whole' (stake). The letters on the sides (representing Latin words) were T (= totum), A (= auferre 'take away'), D (= deponere 'put down'), and N (= nihil 'nothing')