Greek

noun \ ˈgrēk \

Definition of Greek

1 a : a native or inhabitant of ancient or modern Greece

b : a person of Greek descent

2 a : the language used by the Greeks from prehistoric times to the present constituting a branch of Indo-European — see Indo-European Languages Table

b : ancient Greek as used from the time of the earliest records to the end of the second century a.d. — see Indo-European Languages Table

c often not capitalized

[translation of Latin Graecum (in the medieval phrase Graecum est; non potest legi It is Greek; it cannot be read)]

: something unintelligible

it's Greek to me

3 : a member of a Greek-letter fraternity or sorority

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Origin and Etymology of greek

Middle English Greke, from Old English Grēca, from Latin Graecus, from Greek Graikos

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First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Greek

adjective

Definition of Greek

1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Greece, the Greeks, or Greek

Greek architecture

2 a : eastern orthodox

b : of or relating to an Eastern church using the Byzantine rite in Greek

c : of or relating to the established Orthodox church of Greece

3 : of or relating to fraternities or sororities

the Greek system

First Known Use of greek

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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GREEK Defined for English Language Learners

Greek

noun

Definition of Greek for English Language Learners

: a person born, raised, or living in Greece
: a person whose family is from Greece
: the language of the Greeks

GREEK Defined for Kids

Greek

noun \ ˈgrēk \

Definition of Greek for Students

1 : a person born or living in Greece

2 : the language of the Greeks

Greek

adjective

Definition of Greek for Students

: of or relating to Greece, its people, or the Greek language

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Greek

Definition of Greek

Origin and Etymology of greek

Greek

Definition of Greek

First Known Use of greek

GREEK Defined for English Language Learners

Greek

Definition of Greek for English Language Learners

GREEK Defined for Kids

Greek

Definition of Greek for Students

Greek

Definition of Greek for Students

Learn More about greek

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