Definition

A synecdoche (sih-NECK-duh-kee) is a figure of speech and comparison in which a word, meaning a part of something, stands for the whole of that thing. It can also be used vice versa where a whole stands for just a part. Some common types of synecdoches occur when a species stands for a genus, when a material stands for the thing made and when an individual stands for a class. Some examples are referring to fifty ships as fifty sail (a part for a whole), calling a stage "boards" (material for the item made) or the phrase "all hands on deck" (part for a whole).
 * DEFINITION OF SYNECDOCHE **

Metonymy is the use of a name of a thing for that of another which it is connected or associated to in some way. The idea or thing one wishes to represent is often very loosely connected to the word used. The word used can also be an ideal that the reprsented word supports. For example, in the metonymy “lands belonging to the crown," the word crown represents the idea of government or royalty. Another example is the phrase "The pen is mightier than the sword." In this phrase the word "pen" represents the idea of writing and literature while the word "sword" represents violence and war.
 * DEFINITION OF METONYMY **

Even though synecdoche can be considered a form of metonymy, the reverse is not true. Here are a couple tips to help you remember the difference.
 * HOW TO REMEMBER **

Synechdoche: (sy-NECK-doche) As a neck is part of the body a synechdoche is a word referring to a part that represents the whole.

Metonymy: The word "metonymy" has the same beginnging as the word "metaphor." As in metonymy, a metaphor often uses a word to represent an idea or thing based on a loose connection.

Now, test yourself with the following tasty examples:
1. Sweden today reports a dire shortage of lutefisk. 2. When I am done with this article, I plan to hit the bottle. 3. Bow to my flourishing, dubious crown. 4. There are over fifty head of cattle in that strange and wild herd.**