threnos

noun

thre·​nos

ˈthrēˌnäs

variants or less commonly threnus

-ēnəs

plural threnoi

-ēˌnȯi

also threni

-ēˌnī

: threnody

especially : a lyrical lament over a victim of the catastrophe in a tragedy

Word History

Etymology

threnos, from Greek thrēnos; threnus from Late Latin, from Greek thrēnos

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