ab absurdo

adverb (or adjective)

ab ab·​sur·​do
ˌab-əb-ˈsər-ˌdō,
ˌa-ˌbab-,
-ˈzər-
: from absurdity
used of an argument that an assertion is false because of its absurdity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ab absurdo was in 1804

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!

Dictionary Entries Near ab absurdo

Cite this Entry

“Ab absurdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ab%20absurdo. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!