Definition of: eponym

(ep′ə·nim) noun
1. A personage assumed as the founder and name–giver of a race, state, or city; also, the name of that personage.
2. A name or phrase formed from the name of a person to designate a people, period, scientific theory, disease, etc.
3. A high official in ancient Assyria, whose name was given to the year during which he held office. [<Gk. epōnymos <epi- upon + onyma name]