SINCE 1828
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res communes

plural noun
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res com·​mu·​nes | \ ˌrāskəˈmüˌnās, ˌrēzkəˈmyü(ˌ)nēz \

Definition of res communes

Roman & civil law
: things owned by no one and subject to use by all : things (as light, air, the sea, running water) incapable of entire exclusive appropriation

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History and Etymology for res communes

Late Latin, literally, common things

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Cite this Entry

“Res communes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/res%20communes. Accessed 17 May. 2022.

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