athamantin
|a-tha-man-tin|
/ˌæθəˈmæntɪn/
diamond; extremely hard
Etymology
'athamantin' originates from Medieval Latin 'athamantinus', ultimately from Greek 'athamantinos', where 'athamantos' meant 'diamond' or 'unconquerable'.
'athamantin' changed from Medieval Latin 'athamantinus', passed into Old French (e.g. 'athamantin(e)') and then into Middle English, eventually appearing in Early Modern English as 'athamantin'.
Initially it meant 'diamond' or 'invincible/untameable (in the sense of hardness)', but over time it became an archaic/poetic term for 'a diamond' or 'diamond-like, extremely hard substance'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an archaic or poetic term for a very hard substance, especially a diamond; sometimes used simply to mean 'diamond'.
The poet compared her eyes to an athamantin, brilliant and unyielding.
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Adjective 1
resembling or having the qualities of an athamantin; extremely hard, unyielding, or brilliant (archaic/poetic).
She gave an athamantin answer that brooked no argument.
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Last updated: 2025/11/10 10:04