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Avernus

[ uh-vur-nuhs ]

noun

  1. 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.


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Other Words From

  • A·vernal adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of Avernus1

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

Trojan, Anchises’ son, the descent of Avernus is easy.

The men followed as they flew slowly on until they were close to Lake Avernus, a dark foul-smelling sheet of water where the Sibyl had told Aeneas was the cavern from which the road led down to the underworld.

Miss E. Gwen Martin of the Motor Service, was the actual pilot of this arrangement, concealed from public view, perspiring like a navvy, but steering the tank as a veteran of the Cambrai avernus might have steered it.

From Slate

Blood relation Of gods, Trojan, son of Anchises, It is easy to descend into Avernus.

Handel’s vocal writing can be fiercely demanding, nowhere more so than in the Angel’s opening aria, “Be unbarred, ye gates of Avernus,” in which Liv Redpath, a soprano, displayed lovely tone and fine agility.

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AvernoAverroës