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cloaca maxima

noun

cloaca max·​i·​ma
-maksə̇mə
plural cloacae maximae
-ˌmē
: a general repository of filth

Word History

Etymology

Latin, largest sewer, from the main drain of ancient Rome

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Cite this Entry

“Cloaca maxima.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cloaca%20maxima. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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