Adam

[ ad-uhm a-dahn ]

noun

1. the name of the first man, according to the Bible: husband of Eve and progenitor of the human race.
2. A·dolphe Charles [a, -, dawlf, sh, a, r, l], 1803–56, French composer of comic opera and ballet music.
3. James, 1730–94, and his brother Robert, 1728–92, English architects and furniture designers.
4. Lam·bert Si·gis·bert [lah, n, -, ber, see-zheez-, ber], 1700–59, and his brother Ni·cho·las Sé·bas·tien [nee-kaw-, lah, sey-bahs-, tyan], 1705–78, French sculptors.
5. a first name.

adjective

1. of or relating to the style of architecture, decoration, or furnishings associated with Robert and James Adam, characterized by free adaptation of ancient Roman forms and interiors treated with delicate ornament generally painted in light, vivid colors.

Adam

¹

noun

1. adɑ̃ AdamAdolphe18031856MFrenchMUSIC: composer Adolphe. 1803–56, French composer, best known for his romantic ballet Giselle (1841)
2. ˈædəm AdamRobert17281792MScottishARCHITECTURE: architectARTS AND CRAFTS: furniture designer Robert. 1728–92, Scottish architect and furniture designer. Assisted by his brother, James, 1730–94, he emulated the harmony of classical and Italian Renaissance architecture

adjective

1. in the neoclassical style made popular by Robert Adam

Adam

²

/ ˈædəm /

noun

1. Old Testament the first man, created by God: the progenitor of the human race (Genesis 2–3)
2. not know someone from Adam
   to have no knowledge of or acquaintance with someone
3. the old Adam
   the evil supposedly inherent in human nature

Word History and Origins

Origin of Adam¹

From the Hebrew word ādhām literally, “man”

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. not know from Adam, to be unacquainted with:

   He says hello to us every morning, but we don't know him from Adam.

2. the old Adam, the natural tendency toward sin:

   He attributed his wild outburst to the old Adam in him.

More idioms and phrases containing Adam

see not know from Adam .

Example Sentences

Adam Hug, the LGA's housing spokesman, added that “any national algorithms and formulas would strongly benefit from local knowledge” provided by the people who “know their areas best”.

From BBC

That's in California's 13th district, where it looks as if Democrat Adam Gray may defeat GOP Rep. John Duarte by a few hundred votes.

From Salon

Archer appeared to have put Saints ahead at Amex Stadium on Friday, only for the strike to be chalked off when team-mate Adam Armstrong was deemed to be offside.

From BBC

It's not a controversial view, and when Adam says it he's almost casual.

From BBC

Chief executive Adam Coldwells said some elective procedures and appointments would also be cancelled, but this would not include cancer treatment or diagnostic tests.

From BBC