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doz·en

(dŭzən)

1. pl. dozen Abbr. doz. or dz. A set of 12.

2. dozens An indefinite, large number: dozens of errands to run.

adj.

Twelve.

[Middle English dozeine, from Old French dozaine, from doze, twelve, ultimately from Latin duodecim : duo, two; see dwo- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + decem, ten; see dek in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

dozenth (-ənth) adj.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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