Standard Lemma guide

duodecennial

adj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /ˌduːoʊdɪˈsɛnɪəl/
  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌdjuːəʊdɪˈsɛnɪəl/

1

adj

Meaning 1

Consisting of twelve years, occurring in 12-year cycles.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Examples

  • The duodecennial Chinese zodiac originated from Chinese and Indian observations of the duodecennial cycle of the Jovian orbit.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Occurring once a duodecade, occurring every 12 years.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Examples

  • The concept of a duodecennial "Jupiter return" in Western astrology arose from similar concerns.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Latin duodecennium (“12-year period”) + English -al (“forming adjs”), equivalent to borrowing the unattested duodecennialis.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Latin: duodecennialis — Translations
  • Macedonian: дванаесетгодишен (dvanaesetgodišen) — Translations