-rix
English
Etymology
From numerous Latinate feminine agent nouns, re-inforced by Latin -trīx. Note that -rix is not actually a suffix in Latin, only a part of the -trix suffix.
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ɹɪks/
Suffix
-rix f (plural -rices)
Usage notes
- For masculine agent nouns ending in -or, the feminine equivalent ending in -rix is the etymologically consistent form; however, in some cases the common feminine form has changed to become the one ending in -ess instead. For example, the common feminine form of actor is actress, and no longer the earlier form actrix.
- Relatively dated and not especially productive in modern English, where either gender-neutral terms or other suffixes, notably -ess, are generally preferred, as in actress rather than dated actrix.
- Notably used in dominatrix, and, due to the popularity of this term, has some other use in erotic contexts, e.g. masturbatrix.
Anagrams
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