English for Students

Magazine

What is the orgin of the word Magazine?

The word magazine has several different meaning. A publication containing articles, ads, stories and photo graphs that comes out on a regular basis is called a magazine.

The part of the gun which contains the bullets is also called a magazine.

How did this word acquire such different meaning?

According to scholars, the word magazine, the original magazine was a place where grain and other goods were stored. I guess this explains why the part of the gun which contains the bullets is called a magazine – it is a storehouse for the ammunition. Did you know that before the 19th century even ordinary books were called magazine? Afterall books are storehouse of knowledge, aren’t they? It was only in the 19th century that the word magazine began to refer to periodicals.

COURTESY : THE HINDU - INDIA