Relic

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɹɛlɪk/

Alternative forms

• relick archaic
• relique

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin reliquiae ("remains, relics"), from relinquō ("I leave behind, abandon, relinquish"), from re- + linquō ("I leave, quit, forsake, depart from").

Full definition of relic

Noun

1. That which remains; that which is left after loss or decay; a remaining portion.
2. Something old kept for sentimental reasons.
3. (religion) A part of the body of a saint, or an ancient religious object, kept for veneration.

Usage notes

By comparison with synonyms, relic emphasizes age, and to some degree value – a “relic of a lost civilization”.

Synonyms

• (that which remains) remnant, remainder, residue, lave
• (that which is regarded as ancient, rare, or sacred) halidom

Derived terms

• Relic Sunday

Related terms

• delict
• delinquent
• derelict
• relict
• relinquish
• reliquary