Main Entry: an·cho·rite

Pronunciation: \ˈaŋ-kə-ˌrīt\

Variant(s): also an·cho·ret \-ˌret\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin anchorita, alteration of Late Latin anachoreta, from Late Greek anachōrētēs, from Greek anachōrein to withdraw, from ana- + chōrein to make room, from chōros place

Date: 15th century

: a person who lives in seclusion usually for religious reasons

— an·cho·rit·ic \ˌaŋ-kə-ˈri-tik\ adjective

— an·cho·rit·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb