quinze-vingts

French

Etymology

Literally, “fifteen twenties”, using an archaic vigesimal counting system. This archaism is partially preserved due to a famous ophthalmological hospital in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, l'Hôpital des Quinze-Vingts, literally, “the Hospital of the Three Hundred”, referring to the number of beds.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kɛ̃z.vɛ̃/

Numeral

quinze-vingts (invariable)

1. (archaic) three hundred

Noun

quinze-vingts m

1. plural of quinze-vingt (“a blind patient of the Hôpital des Quinze-Vingts”)