Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

aition

noun
Save Word
ai·​ti·​on | \ ˈī-tē-ˌän \
plural aitia\ ˈī-​tē-​ə \ or aitions

Definition of aition

: a tale devised to explain the origin of a religious observance

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of aition

1910, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for aition

Greek aition cause, from neuter singular of aitios responsible; akin to Greek aitia cause

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about aition

Time Traveler for aition

Time Traveler

The first known use of aition was in 1910

See more words from the same year

Statistics for aition

Cite this Entry

“Aition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aition. Accessed 23 Feb. 2020.

Comments on aition

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

misbegotten

Listen to the pronounciation of misbegotten

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

More Confusing Words—Quiz

  • cats on impossible timber
  • The magician ______ moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Syn City

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games