Tironism
/ˈtaɪ.rə.nɪzəm/noun
The use or practice of Tironian shorthand, a system of signs traditionally attributed to Marcus Tullius Tiro.
Did you know?Tiro, Cicero’s enslaved secretary and later freedman, is traditionally credited with recording Cicero’s speeches in shorthand, helping preserve the words of one of Rome’s greatest orators.
Etymological Timeline
1st Century BCE
Latin
Tiro
“The name of Marcus Tullius Tiro, Cicero’s secretary; the Latin noun tiro also meant a recruit or inexperienced beginner.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
notae Tironianae
““Tironian notes,” the shorthand signs traditionally associated with Tiro.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
Tironianus
“Relating to Tiro or to his system of shorthand.”
Middle Ages
Latin
notae Tironianae
“Tironian signs continued to be copied and used by some scribes, especially in ecclesiastical manuscripts.”
17th–18th Century
English
Tironian
“Relating to Tiro or his shorthand system.”
19th Century
English
Tironism
“The practice or system of using Tironian shorthand.”