Oct

Oct is commonly used as an abbreviation for October, the tenth month of the Gregorian calendar. The month is widely recognized in the Northern Hemisphere as part of autumn and in the Southern Hemisphere as part of spring. Its name appears in many languages with forms derived from the Latin name Octo.

Origins: The name October comes from Latin octo meaning eight, reflecting its original position as the eighth month in the early Roman calendar. When January and February were added to the calendar, the ordering shifted but the name remained.

Usage and observances: Commonly appears as Oct. or Oct on calendars, signage, and formal writing. Notable days include Halloween on October 31, World Mental Health Day on October 10, and the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11. In many countries, October also marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Other cultural notes: The astrological signs for most of October are Libra (late September to late October) and Scorpio (late October onward). In the Northern Hemisphere autumn transitions to winter; in the Southern Hemisphere spring progresses toward summer.