interrex means an official in Ancient Rome who acted as single head of state during the interregnum between two consulates. It carries an Arena rating of 1296, earned across 3 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, interrex ranks #1,894 of 17,126 for Most Elegant Words, #1,899 of 17,149 for Most Exacting Words, #3,716 of 17,104 for Most Storied Words, #4,641 of 17,138 for Most Incisive Words.
Why “interrex” is a great word
A person who holds supreme authority during an interregnum between reigns or terms of office. From Latin inter- ("between") + rex ("king"). Unlike a "regent," who rules on behalf of a specific, living monarch, or the broad adjective "interim," the interrex is a formal, singular title for a vacancy of the supreme office itself. It is the ceremonial fasces handed to a private citizen, the Polish senator presiding beneath an empty throne, and the austere dignity of a crown suspended in air—a temporary king created solely by the absence of a king, the paradox made flesh to hold the door against chaos.
Etymology
From Latin inter- (“between”) + rex (“king”).
noun
- An official in Ancient Rome who acted as single head of state during the interregnum between two consulates.
- An equivalent regent from the death of a Polish king till the election and enthronement of his successor.
- A similar interim ruler, CEO, etc.
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
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