anno lucis

adverb

an·​no lu·​cis
-ˈlüsə̇s,
-ük-
often capitalized A&L
used by many Freemasons with a year to indicate the number of years elapsed since 4000 b.c. 4000 being added to the usual computation of the year
a.d. 1980 is Anno Lucis 5980
abbreviation A.L. often printed in small capitals

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, in the year of light; from the conception that God's word creating light in Genesis 1:3 marks the beginning of creation

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anno lucis was in 1776

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 anno lucis

Cite this Entry

“Anno lucis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anno%20lucis. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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