Alma Mater
- PostEagle
- November 18, 2014
- Word Etymology
- 0 Comments
The word for today is ALMA MATER, which is the term used for the school from which one graduated. It is the NOURISHING MOTHER. The Latin verb ALERE means TO NOURISH. This verb is related to another Latin verb ALESCERE which means TO GROW. This gives us the Latin verb ADOLESCERE which means TO GROW UP. Hence we have the word ADOLESCENT – one who is growing up. The word ADULT comes from the last principal part of the verb ADOLESCERE and it means A PERSON WHO HAS GROWN UP. Other words from this root are: OLD, ELDER, ALDERMAN.
