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Frankenstein

The origin and history of Frankenstein.

Etymology

From Victor Frankenstein, the scientist in Mary Shelley's 1818 novel who builds a living being out of corpse parts. People commonly (if technically incorrectly) use "Frankenstein" for the monster itself rather than its creator.

· First attested 1818

Class of 1818

Frankenstein first entered the language around 1818. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1818 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.