ata

1 of 3

variant spelling of atta

Ata

2 of 3

noun

ˈätə,
-tˌä
plural Ata or Atas
1
a
: a predominantly pagan people near Mount Apo in central Mindanao, Philippines
b
: a member of such people
2
: an Austronesian language of the Ata people

-ata

3 of 3

noun plural suffix

-a·​ta
ˈä|tə,
ˈā|,
ˈȧ|,
|tə—in the pronunciation of words containing this suffix,
usually only the first two variants are shown
: ones characterized by having (such a feature)
in names of zoological groups
Coelenterata
Vertebrata
Chordata
Branchiata

Word History

Etymology

Noun plural suffix

New Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of -atus -ate

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 ata

Cite this Entry

“Ata.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ata. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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