Tironian
/taɪˈroʊniən/noun
Relating to Marcus Tullius Tiro or to the shorthand system traditionally attributed to him.
Did you know?Tiro, Cicero’s formerly enslaved secretary and later freedman, is traditionally credited with developing thousands of shorthand signs, though the system evolved over time.
Etymological Timeline
1st Century BCE
Latin
Tiro
“The name of Marcus Tullius Tiro, Cicero’s secretary and freedman; Latin tiro also meant a novice or recruit.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
notae Tironianae
““Tironian notes,” shorthand signs associated with Tiro and used for rapidly recording speech.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
notae Tironis
“Tiro’s signs; the shorthand tradition continued in manuscripts and administrative writing.”
Medieval Period
Medieval Latin
Tironianae notae
“Tironian notes, preserved and adapted by scribes, especially in religious and legal texts.”
18th Century
English
Tironian
“An English adjective referring to Tiro or his shorthand system.”
Modern English
English
Tironian
“Relating to Tiro, Tironian shorthand, or individual signs such as the Tironian et (⁊).”