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Semitic

adjective
Se·​mit·​ic | \sə-ˈmi-tik also -ˈme- \

Definition of Semitic 

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : of, relating to, or constituting a subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic language family that includes Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, and Amharic

2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Semites

3 : jewish

Semitic

noun

Definition of Semitic (Entry 2 of 2)

: any or all of the Semitic languages

First Known Use of Semitic

Adjective

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Semitic

Adjective

German semitisch, from Semit, Semite Semite, probably from New Latin Semita, from Late Latin Sem Shem

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The first known use of Semitic was in 1813

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More Definitions for Semitic

Semitic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of Semitic

: of or relating to the language family that includes Hebrew and Arabic

: of or relating to the Semites

See the full definition for Semitic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on Semitic

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Nglish: Translation of Semitic for Spanish Speakers

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