Definition

1. Noun:
   • A word, phrase, number, or other sequence of characters that reads the same forward and backward (ignoring spaces, punctuation, and capitalization). For example, "radar" and "madam" are palindromes.

Usage

• The word "palindrome" is used to describe a specific linguistic or textual pattern. It is a countable noun.
• It is commonly used in discussions about language, wordplay, puzzles, and mathematics.

Examples

• Noun:
  • "Racecar" is a classic example of a palindrome.
  • The phrase "A man, a plan, a canal: Panama" is a famous palindrome.
  • He enjoys creating palindromes as a hobby.

Advanced Usage

• Semordnilap: A word that forms a different word when spelled backward (e.g., "stressed" becomes "desserts"). This is a related but distinct concept from a palindrome.
• Palindromic number: A number that remains the same when its digits are reversed (e.g., 12321 or 404).
• Palindromic sequence: In genetics, a nucleotide sequence that is the same on both DNA strands when read in opposite directions.

Variants and Related Words

• Palindromic (adjective): Having the nature of or relating to a palindrome.
  • The poet wrote a palindromic verse.
• Palindromist (noun): A person who composes or studies palindromes.

Synonyms

• Reversible word/phrase: A less common, descriptive synonym.
• Mirror word: An informal term.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(While not phrasal verbs, these are common phrases involving the word.) - To be a palindrome: To have the property of reading the same backward and forward. - Is your name a palindrome? - Palindromic sentence/word: A specific construction using the term. - Constructing a long palindromic sentence is challenging.

Noun

1. a word or phrase that reads the same backward as forward