ultima ratio

noun

ul·​ti·​ma ra·​tio ˌu̇l-tə-mə-ˈrä-tē-ˌō How to pronounce ultima ratio (audio)
: the final argument
also : the last resort (such as force)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultima ratio was in 1780

Dictionary Entries Near ultima ratio

Cite this Entry

“Ultima ratio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultima%20ratio. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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