alumnus etymology

Etymology:

  • From Latin alumnus, past participle of alere ("to nourish, sustain").

Meaning and Origin:

  • Originally referred to a former foster child or pupil who had received nourishment and support from a benefactor.
  • In medieval universities, the term alumnus was used to designate a graduate who retained a sense of loyalty and gratitude to his alma mater (nourishing mother).
  • By the 16th century, the term had evolved to refer specifically to a male graduate of a university or other educational institution.
  • The feminine form, alumna, emerged in the 17th century.
  • Today, alumnus is generally used to refer to any former student, regardless of gender, who has been affiliated with an educational institution.

alumnus relate terms

  • alumna

    Etymology The word alumna comes from the Latin word alumnus which means nurtured o

  • alumnus

    Etymology From Latin alumnus past participle of alere to nourish sustain Meani

  • alumnae

    Etymology Latin alumnae feminine plural of alumnus foster child pupil graduate M

  • alumnus

    Etymology From Latin alumnus past participle of alere to nourish sustain Meani

  • clemency

    Etymology From the Old French clemencie ultimately derived from the Latin word clem

  • prolegomenon

    Etymology Greek pro before logos discourse on suffix indicating a work

  • alum

    Etymology Latin alumen an alum salt Greek als salt Meaning A colorless

  • graduate

    Etymology Latin gradus step French gradué one who has taken a degree Meani

  • drag

    Etymology The word drag originates from the Middle English term dragen which means

  • manual

    Etymology Latin manualis Medieval Latin manual Old French manuel Middle Englis

  • student

    Etymology The word student is derived from the Latin word studere meaning to be eag

  • scholar

    Etymology The word scholar comes from the Middle French word escholier which in turn

  • maul

    Etymology The word maul comes from the Old English word mawl meaning a large hammer

  • obedience

    Etymology The word obedience comes from the Latin word obsequium which means a lis