teetotum

noun

tee·​to·​tum ˈtē-ˈtō-təm How to pronounce teetotum (audio)
: a small top usually inscribed with letters and used in put-and-take

Word History

Etymology

tee entry 1 + Latin totum all, from neuter of totus whole; from the letter T inscribed on one side as an abbreviation of totum (take) all

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of teetotum was in 1720

Dictionary Entries Near teetotum

Cite this Entry

“Teetotum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teetotum. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on teetotum

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!