consortium
/kənˈsɔːrtiəm/
noun
Origin
Latin
consors — sharing property, partner, comrade
Overview
Meaning Now
- An association, typically of several companies, that agree to cooperate for a common purpose.
- A partnership or association of individuals or organizations.
Literal older meaning
fellowship, partnership, society, or association
Language path
Latin → English
Earliest form
consortium
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The term stems from the Roman legal concept of 'consortium,' which referred to the undivided property shared by heirs or partners. In modern usage, it reflects the transition of this concept from legal inheritance to commercial and academic collaboration.
Evolution
- Latin
consortium
“society, fellowship, partnership”
Derived from consors (con- 'together' + sors 'lot, fate').
- 16th-century English
consortium
“partnership or association”
Direct borrowing from Classical Latin.
Connections
Word parts
con-
prefix
together
sort-
root
lot, fate, share
-ium
suffix
nominalizing suffix
Related across languages
French
consortium
Spanish
consorcio
consortium
Related words
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Related to consortium
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.