Adam

1 of 3

noun

Ad·​am ˈa-dəm 

1

in the Bible : the first man and father by Eve of Cain and Abel

2

: the unregenerate nature of man

—used especially in the phrase the old Adam

Adamic

ə-ˈda-mik 

adjective

or Adamical

ə-ˈda-mi-kəl 

Adam

2 of 3

adjective (1)

: of, relating to, or being an 18th century decorative style (as of furniture) characterized by straight lines, surface decoration, and conventional designs (such as festooned garlands and medallions)

Adamic

3 of 3

adjective (2)

Adam·​ic ə-ˈda-mik  a- 

variants or Adamical

ə-ˈda-mi-kəl 

a-

: of or belonging to the biblical Adam : proceeding from, resembling, or suggestive of Adam

my Adamic and fresh daughters

—Walt Whitman

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Late Latin, borrowed from Hebrew Ādhām

Adjective (1)

after Robert adam and James adam

Adjective (2)

Adam, the first man of the Bible + -ic entry 1, -ical

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (1)

1846, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1657, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Adam

• Adam's apple
• Adam's needle
• not know someone from Adam
• the old Adam

Rhymes for Adam

• madam
• madame
• macadam

Biographical Definition

Adam

biographical name

Ad·​am ˈa-dəm 

Robert 1728–1792 and his brother James 1730–1794 Scottish architects and furniture designers