mnemonic

[ni-mon-ik]

adjective

1. assisting or intended to assist the memory.

2. pertaining to mnemonics or to memory.

noun

1. something intended to assist the memory, as a verse or formula.

2. Computers.,  a programming code that is easy to remember, as STO for “store.”

mnemonic

/ nɪˈmɒnɪk /

adjective

1. aiding or meant to aid one's memory

2. of or relating to memory or mnemonics

noun

1. something, such as a verse, to assist memory

Other Word Forms

• mnemonically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of mnemonic¹

1660–70; < Greek mnēmonikós of, relating to memory, equivalent to mnēmon- (stem of mnḗmōn ) mindful + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of mnemonic¹

C18: from Greek mnēmonikos, from mnēmōn mindful, from mnasthai to remember

Example Sentences

Cognitive science shows that mnemonics help memory, distinctive voice draws attention and a sense of joy strengthens retention.

From Salon

I still remember some of the mnemonic tricks she used for some of the harder letters.

From Los Angeles Times

For the uninitiated, this saying is a mnemonic device that helps Seattleites remember the names and order of the city’s streets.

From Seattle Times

The most popular teachers drill facts and figures into their students with jokes and mnemonic songs they make up themselves.

From New York Times

Safe sleep practices can be summed up in an easy mnemonic: Parents only need to remember ABC: alone, back, crib, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fantasy 
• image 
• memoir 
• picture 
• reminder 
• thought 
• vision