Alumnae

/əˈlʌmˌnaɪ/ noun

Definition

Plural of alumna; a group of female graduates or former female students from a school, college, or university.

Etymology

From Latin alumnae, plural of alumna. The feminine plural form following Latin declension patterns adopted into English academic terminology.

Kelly Says

Even though 'alumnae' is a perfectly Latin plural, many modern schools are shifting to 'alumni' or 'alums' for everyone—language evolves as we rethink gender in institutions.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural feminine form of alumna. Historically reinforced women's separate categorization within alumni associations and institutional records.

Inclusive Usage

Use as plural for women graduates; consider 'alumni' for mixed-gender groups, or use 'alums' for explicit gender inclusivity.

Inclusive Alternatives

["alums","alumni"]

Empowerment Note

Alumnae associations have historically been sites of women's institutional power and networking, particularly in women's colleges and institutions with strong women's graduate programs.

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