Aquitainian
|A-qui-tai-ni-an|
/ˌæk.wɪˈteɪ.ni.ən/
of or from Aquitaine
Etymology
'Aquitainian' originates from Latin, specifically the place-name 'Aquitania', via Old French 'Aquitaine', meaning 'of Aquitaine' (the Roman province/region).
'Aquitainian' developed from Latin 'Aquitania' → Old French 'Aquitaine' → Middle English/early Modern English forms (e.g. 'Aquitain'/'Aquitan'), and eventually the adjectival/demonymic English form 'Aquitainian' (with 'Aquitanian' as a common variant).
Initially it denoted people or things 'of Aquitaine' (the region). Over time the term was extended in specialized contexts (notably geology) to name the 'Aquitanian' stage of the Miocene; the sense 'relating to Aquitaine' remains the core meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person from Aquitaine; an inhabitant or native of Aquitaine.
Historically, many famous troubadours were Aquitainians.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
of, from, or relating to Aquitaine, a region in southwestern France.
Aquitainian architecture shows Romanesque influences.
Synonyms
Adjective 2
relating to the Aquitanian (Aquitanian/Aquitainian) stage in geology — the earliest age of the Miocene epoch (used in geological contexts).
Fossils from the Aquitainian beds indicate a warmer climate.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/31 01:22