X·mas  (kr ĭs m əs, ĕks m əs)
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[From X, the Greek letter chi, first letter of Greek Khrīstos, Christ; see CHRIST.]
Usage Note: The pronunciation (ĕksməs) is the result of a misinterpretation of the abbreviation Xmas, where the X actually represents a Greek chi, the first letter of Khrīstos, "Christ." This pronunciation is informal. |
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