Main Entry: ca·ve·at

Pronunciation: \ˈka-vē-ˌät, -ˌat; ˈkä-vē-ˌät; ˈkā-vē-ˌat\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin, let him beware, from cavēre — more at hear

Date: 1533

1 a : a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices b : an explanation to prevent misinterpretation c : a modifying or cautionary detail to be considered when evaluating, interpreting, or doing something
2 : a legal warning to a judicial officer to suspend a proceeding until the opposition has a hearing