Adriatic

adjective

Adri·​at·​ic ¦ā-drē-¦a-tik 

¦a-

: of or relating to the sea that lies east of Italy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Adriatike, borrowed from Latin Adriāticus, Hadriāticus, from Adria, Atria, ancient seaport in northeast Italy + -āticus, suffix forming place-name derivatives (probably after Asiāticus asiatic )

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined above

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