Avernus

noun

a lake near Naples, Italy, looked upon in ancient times as an entrance to hell, from whose waters vile-smelling vapors arose, supposedly killing birds flying over it.

hell.

Origin:
< Latin < Greek áornos birdless, equivalent to a- a-⁶ + órn(is) bird + -os adj. suffix

Related forms

A·ver·nal, adjective

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Avernus is always a great word to know.

So is zedonk. Does it mean:

the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.

a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.

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"The fairy queen
Bids you increase that loving humour more.
They that have not yet fed
On delight amorous,
She vows that they shall lead
Apes in Avernus."

-Thomas Campion

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Related Words

Averno

Avernus

A·ver·nus