antemeridian
|an-te-me-ri-di-an|
/ˌæn.tə.məˈrɪd.i.ən/
before midday
Etymology
'antemeridian' originates from Latin, specifically the phrase 'ante meridiem,' where 'ante' meant 'before' and 'meridiem' meant 'midday'.
'ante meridiem' (Latin) was used in Late/Medieval Latin; it entered English in the form 'antemeridian' to describe the period before midday or things relating to that period.
Initially, it meant 'before midday' in Latin, and over time it retained this sense in English as 'before midday' or 'of the morning'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the period of the day before noon; the hours a.m. (ante meridiem).
The train runs only during the antemeridian on Sundays.
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Adjective 1
occurring before midday; of or relating to the forenoon (before noon).
They held the antemeridian session to accommodate overseas participants.
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Last updated: 2025/08/22 05:07