What does the root of edict mean?

The root of the word "edict" is the Latin word "dicere", meaning "to say" or "to speak".

This is also the root of other English words like:

* Dictate: To speak or read something aloud to be written down.

* Dictation: The act of dictating.

* Dictionary: A book containing words and their meanings.

* Predict: To say what will happen in the future.

* Indict: To formally accuse someone of a crime.

So, an edict is essentially a "spoken" or "pronounced" order or decree, often issued by someone in authority.