ab aeterno

adverb

ab ae·​ter·​no
ˌa-bē-ˈtər-(ˌ)nō,
ˌä-ˌbī-ˈter-
: from an infinitely remote point of time in the past

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, "from forever"

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ab aeterno was in 1621

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

Dictionary Entries Near ab aeterno

Cite this Entry

“Ab aeterno.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ab%20aeterno. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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