[1895–1900; pseudo- + classic]This word is first recorded in the period 1895–1900. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Marxism, apothecaries' measure, backwind, frame of reference, hit-and-runpseudo- is a combining form meaning “false,” “pretended,” “unreal,” used in the formationof compound words (pseudoclassic; pseudointellectual); in scientific use, pseudo- denotes close or deceptive resemblance to the following element (pseudobulb; pseudocarp), and is used sometimes in chemical names of isomers (pseudoephedrine)