avernal

adjective

aver·​nal
əˈvərnᵊl
variants or avernian
-nēən,
-nyən
sometimes capitalized

Word History

Etymology

avernal from Latin Avernalis of Avernus, from Avernus, lake near Pozzuoli, Italy (now Lago Averno), reputed because of its depth and stench to lead to the underworld, underworld + Latin -alis -al; avernian from Avernus + English -ian

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Dictionary Entries Near avernal

Cite this Entry

“Avernal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avernal. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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