First recorded in 1375–1425.
Comes from Latin, from the past participle of inveterāre, “to grow old, allow to grow old, preserve."
Inveterāre contains veter-, the stem of vetus, meaning “old," which is also the stem of the word veteran.
Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF INVETERATE

It's National Poetry Month, and we’ve created a challenge that really is for everyone. Submit now!

Did you mean defensiveness?