adonic

1 of 2

adjective

adon·​ic
ə-ˈdä-nik
variants or less commonly adonian
ə-ˈdō-nē-ən
often capitalized
1
: of, relating to, or like Adonis
especially : exceptionally handsome
the youth's adonic features
2
: having a rhythm consisting of a dactyl followed by a spondee or by a trochee
adonic verse

adonic

2 of 2

noun

adon·​ic
ə-ˈdä-nik
plural -s
often capitalized
: a verse having adonic rhythm

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Adonis, mythological personage + English -ic or -ian

First Known Use

Adjective

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adonic was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Adonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adonic. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

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