Pronunciation: [sˈɛnsəs ɹˈə͡ʊl] (IPA) 
The proper spelling of the word "census roll" is /ˈsɛnsəs roʊl/. The "census" part is pronounced with the short "e" sound as in "bed" /ɛ/, the "n" has a nasal sound /n/, and the "s" is pronounced like a "z" /z/. The "roll" part is pronounced with the long "o" sound as in "ole" /oʊ/ and the "l" is pronounced with a slight "uh" sound /əl/. This term refers to the list of individuals who have been counted as part of a census.
A census roll refers to an official document or register that contains detailed information about individuals living within a specific geographic area during a particular time period. It serves as a comprehensive record of the population's demographic and social characteristics, providing valuable insights into the composition and distribution of a community or nation.
Typically conducted by government agencies or statistical authorities, a census roll is essential for collecting accurate and up-to-date data on a wide range of parameters, including age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, education, marital status, and housing conditions. It serves as a reliable tool for governments, policymakers, researchers, and organizations to make informed decisions and formulate effective policies.
Census rolls are conducted at regular intervals, usually once every ten years, though the time frame may vary depending on the country. The meticulous process involves enumerators or surveyors visiting households to collect the required information directly from individuals or through self-reporting questionnaires. These individual responses are then compiled and organized into a comprehensive database, forming the census roll.
Census rolls have numerous applications and are crucial for various purposes, such as determining the allocation of resources, planning infrastructure development, assessing public health needs, analyzing economic patterns, and ensuring equitable representation through redistricting. They also contribute to research and historical studies by providing valuable information about population growth, migration patterns, and social transformations over time.
In summary, a census roll represents an official record of a population, providing a snapshot of various demographic, economic, and social characteristics. It serves as an invaluable resource for governments, researchers, and organizations to understand and address the needs of a community or nation.
The term "census roll" is a combination of two words with different etymologies: "census" and "roll".
1. Census:
The word "census" is derived from the Latin word "censere", meaning "to assess" or "to give an opinion". In ancient Rome, a census was an official count and assessment of the population, property, and various socio-economic details for taxation and other purposes.
2. Roll:
The word "roll" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Old High German word "rolla", meaning "scroll" or "list". It also shares an Indo-European root with the Latin word "rotulus", which similarly means a small roll of paper or parchment.
Therefore, "census roll" combines the Latin-derived term "census" with the Old English-derived word "roll", referring to a list or record in a rolled-up form.
