Alexandrian school

noun

1

: the school of literature, science, and philosophy that flourished at Alexandria while that city was ruled by the Greeks and the Romans

2

: an ante-Nicene school of patristic philosophy developed slightly later than the African school, taking its rise from Pantaenus, including Clement and Origen, and centered in Alexandria

3

: a succession of Alexandrine Christian theologians who, in the 5th century and later, in the Christological debates against the theologians of Antioch, stressed the divinity and unity of Jesus Christ

Word History

Etymology

Alexandrian entry 1

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now