Definition

A punctuation mark used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation, and also refers to a part of the large intestine in the body.

Example

In the sentence, she listed her favorite fruits: apples, oranges, and bananas, the colon is used to introduce the list.

Conversation

Did you know that a colon is used to introduce a list?

Yeah, I learned that in school, but I still mix it up sometimes.

It's funny how such a small punctuation mark can change the meaning of a sentence.

Totally! I always double-check my writing to make sure I use the colon correctly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Colon** → It is derived from the Latin word "colonus" (meaning farmer or settler) and is related to "colere" (meaning to cultivate or inhabit). The term originally referred to a part of the body that is cultivated or inhabited by the digestive system, specifically the large intestine.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cultivating' ('colere') the body, as the colon is a part of the digestive system that helps process what we consume.

Visually Confused Words