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 something2: a legal warning to a judicial officer to suspend a proceeding until the opposition has a hearing