adhamant

adjective

ad·​ha·​mant
(ˈ)ad-¦hā-mənt
: clinging as if by hooks
used especially of the feet of certain birds (as the swifts)

Word History

Etymology

Latin adhamant-, adhamans, present participle of adhamare to catch, secure, perhaps from ad- + hamus hook

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adhamant was circa 1890

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Dictionary Entries Near adhamant

Cite this Entry

“Adhamant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adhamant. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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