redux

adjective

re·dux (ˌ)rē-ˈdəks

ˈrē-ˌdəks

: brought back

—used postpositively

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In English, redux describes things that have been brought back—metaphorically, that is. For example, if the relationship between two nations resembles that of the United States and the Soviet Union in the late 20th century, one might call the situation a “Cold War redux.” But a dog brought back home after running away would likely not be called “Buddy redux” going forward. The Latin redux did historically have more literal application, however. For example, the Romans used this sense of redux to characterize the goddess of chance, Fortuna; Fortuna Redux was trusted to bring those far from home back safely. Today, redux is also increasingly used as a noun with a meaning something similar to retread or echo, as in “His latest movie was just a poor redux of his earlier, more visionary work.”