SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

ab ovo usque ad mala

Latin phrase ab ovo us·que ad ma·la \ äb-ˈō-vō-ˌu̇s-kwe-ˌäd-ˈmä-lä \

Definition of ab ovo usque ad mala

: from egg to apples : from soup to nuts : from beginning to end

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up ab ovo usque ad mala? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

cathexis

play

investment of mental or emotional energy

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

alt-5ada140ed3e28

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

alt-5ad8fc71357ed

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

alt-5ad8d3361fb97

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Take the quiz

Citation

Do you know the person or title these quotes describe?

Play the game