diana bb Nov 9, 2013:

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary 8th ed.: the turn of the century / year: the time when a new century / year starts, e.g.: It was built at the turn of the century.

Arturas Bakanauskas Nov 9, 2013:

You know, I have never in all my years heard anyone refer to the period of 1895-1905 as the turn of the 18th cent or 1995-2005 as the turn of the 19th cent. On top of this, the Wikipedia article in question even goes on to use 'turn of' to mean the very beginning of the century or millennium in question. Regardless of what the people in Chicago say, it looks like Modern English has the meaning down pretty well.

Gintautas Kaminskas Nov 9, 2013:

„Lazda turi du galus.“ ☺ As the Chicago Manual of Style points out, which "turn" are we talking about. The one that preceded the beginning of the century or the one that came at the end of it? I think to try to go with the „sandūra“ concept we would have to mention both relevant centuries to make things clear. That's why I prefer the version I have offered.

Arturas Bakanauskas Nov 9, 2013:

XIX a. pr Then how does sanduroje differ from pradzia?

Gintautas Kaminskas Nov 9, 2013:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_of_the_century

« According to the Chicago Manual of Style, there is no common agreement as to meaning of the phrase "turn of the n-th century." For instance, if a statement describes an event as taking place "at the turn of the 18th century," it could refer to a period around the year 1700 or one around the year 1800. As such, they recommend using only "turn of the century," and only in a context that makes clear which transition is meant. »