abyss
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abyss

noun \ə-ˈbis, a- also ˈa-(ˌ)bis\

Definition of ABYSS

1
: the bottomless gulf, pit, or chaos of the old cosmogonies
2
a : an immeasurably deep gulf or great space
b : intellectual or moral depths

Examples of ABYSS

  1. <looking down at the dark ocean from the ship's rail, the cruise passenger felt as though he was staring into an abyss>

Origin of ABYSS

Middle English abissus, from Late Latin abyssus, from Greek abyssos, from abyssos, adjective, bottomless, from a- + byssos depth; perhaps akin to Greek bathys deep
First Known Use: 14th century

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