anatocism means compound interest. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 92 out of 100.
Why “anatocism” is a great word
The financial practice of charging compound interest, where interest is calculated on both the original principal and all previously accrued interest. From the Ancient Greek ἀνατοκισμός (anatokismós), from ἀνα- (ana-, "again, upon") + τοκισμός (tokismós, "usury, interest"). Unlike simple interest, which accrues in a linear, predictable way on the principal alone, or usury, which concerns an extortionate rate, anatocism is the potent mechanism of exponential growth. It is the silent snowball rolling downhill, the invisible yeast in the financial loaf, and the relentless, metronomic ticking of a clock whose hands accelerate with each passing hour—a mathematical force that turns time itself into a debtor's most implacable creditor.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἀνατοκισμός (anatokismós), from ἀνα- (ana-) + τοκισμός (tokismós, “usury”).
noun
- compound interest“Of Anatocism, or Compound Interest; wherein is shewed how by the Logarithms to answer all Questions concerning the Increase or present Worth of any Sum of Money or Annuity”