sanguineous

adjective

san·guin·e·ous | \ san-ˈgwi-nē-əs

How to pronounce sanguineous (audio)

, saŋ- \

Definition of sanguineous

1 : bloodred

2 : of, relating to, or involving bloodshed : bloodthirsty

3 : of, relating to, or containing blood

Synonyms Did you know? Example Sentences Learn More About sanguineous

Did you know?

Sanguineous isn't the only English adjective to come from "sanguis," the Latin word for "blood." "Sanguine," for one, has been with us since the 14th century. Nowadays, it usually means "confident" or "optimistic," but it can also mean "ruddy." (The "optimistic" sense stems from the medieval belief that a healthy red complexion denoted a courageous and hopeful temperament.) "Sanguineous" first appeared in the 16th century as a synonym of the "ruddy" sense of "sanguine," but now it's more often used in medical or scientific references to blood. It shares another sense - "bloodthirsty" or "involving bloodshed" - with "sanguinary," yet another "sanguis" descendant."

Examples of sanguineous in a Sentence

in the sanguineous culture of ancient Sparta, military glory was prized above all else

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Cite this Entry

“Sanguineous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanguineous. Accessed 20 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for sanguineous

sanguineous

adjective

san·guin·eous | \ saŋ-ˈgwin-ē-əs

\

Medical Definition of sanguineous

1 : of, relating to, or containing blood

2 : sanguine sense 2 a sanguineous temperament

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