Annus

/ˈænəs/ noun

Definition

Latin word for 'year,' used in English phrases like 'annus mirabilis' (a remarkable year) and 'annus horribilis' (a terrible year).

Etymology

From Latin 'annus' (year), with Indo-European roots related to 'annual' and 'anniversary.' The Latin word is used directly in English scholarly and formal contexts.

Kelly Says

Queen Elizabeth II made 'annus horribilis' famous when she called 1992 that—a rough year of royal scandals—and suddenly this Latin phrase became a fun way to describe bad years in English!

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