Aerian

noun

Aer·​i·​an

ā-ˈir-ē-ən

plural -s

: one of a 4th century a.d. Arian sect that believed in the equality of bishops and priests and repudiated prayers for the dead and compulsory fasts

Word History

Etymology

Aerius of Pontus, 4th century a.d. presbyter in Asia Minor + English -an

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!