18th Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Historical Significance

• The 18th century (1700-1799) was a time of great change, with events like the American Revolution and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
• The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol, marking Prohibition in the U.S.
• Important literature, such as Rousseau’s 'The Social Contract,' came about during the 18th century, influencing modern political thought.

Cultural References

• In fashion, the 18th century introduced the use of elaborate gowns and wigs, showcasing a time of artistic expression and status through clothing.
• The 18th of every month has a special meaning in various cultures; for instance, in some Asian cultures, it is a day of meditation and reflection.
• The 18th of December is celebrated as International Migrants Day in recognition of the rights of migrants worldwide.

Mathematics

• In fraction terms, the 18th can represent 1/18, a common denominator in various divisions.
• When percentile rankings are used, being in the 18th percentile means you achieved better than 18% of the group.
• In computing, the hexadecimal representation of the decimal number 18 is '12', showcasing different numeral systems.

Art and Literature

• The 18th-century art movement, Rococo, emphasized ornate details and playful themes, influencing the aesthetic of that era.
• Famous writers like Voltaire and Samuel Johnson flourished during the 18th century, producing works that are studied for their literary significance.
• The period saw the rise of the epistolary novel, where stories were told through letters, culminating in classics such as 'Pamela' by Samuel Richardson.

Science and Innovation

• The 18th century was marked by significant discoveries, such as the invention of the steam engine, which powered the Industrial Revolution.
• Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity in the 18th century laid the groundwork for modern electrical science.
• The classification of species was advanced by Carl Linnaeus, who introduced the binomial nomenclature system during this period.

The word 'eighteenth' originated from the Old English word 'eahthigde', which is a combination of 'eaht' meaning 'eight' and the suffix '-th' used for forming ordinal numbers. The usage of ordinal numbers in English has evolved through the centuries, during which the formation and pronunciation have undergone significant changes. In Middle English, the term was influenced by various dialects and phonetic shifts, leading to the modern form we use today. The 'th' suffix signifies that it is an ordinal number, which is a concept that dates back to Old English numerals used for counting and ranking. The first records of 'eighteenth' can be traced back to the 14th century, where it began to take on a more standardized form, aligning with the developments in English grammar and numerical representation.