Criterion, criteria

[Episcopus]

Like macron, macra these plurals I can not put them into the right group.<br /><br />Is criterion, criteria (used in english)<br /><br />a) a greek noun<br /><br />or b) a third declension noun - however I can not seem to find the place into which it should fit!<br /><br />Yes I have done 3rd declension! But ah! what is this!

[Magistra]

a) a greek noun<br /><br />Many nouns used in English that end in -on are of Greek origin<br /><br />You may be interested in this website about irregular plural nouns in English.<br /><br />http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwesl/egw/pluralsn.htm<br /><br />Magistra

[Clemens]

There is the greek noun [face=SPIonic]to_ krith&rion[/face]...

[Clemens]

I'm always too late :-\

[Episcopus]

Hey Magistra, that is a great relief! for it tells me that my 3rd declension work has been done well.<br /><br />Danke Schön, Clemens

[benissimus]

It is, however, fully compatible with the third declension, or can very easily be converting to a second declension neuter criterium, criteri(i). You probably won't find that in a dictionary, but the more sophisticated Romans were fond of bringing Greek words into Latin, much like English people often do with French (or even other languages occasionaly).

[Episcopus]

How fully compatible?<br /><br />criterio, criterionis? Or something similar.<br /><br />How can it have plural -ia as those are neuters ending in -e, -al, -ar?

[benissimus]

I think it would keep the N in the nominative, as most adopted words do (at least until they become very old and well-used).