Atwain

/əˈtweɪn/ adverb

Definition

Archaic word meaning 'in two' or 'into two pieces,' expressing separation or division.

Etymology

From Old English 'atweyn' or 'on twa' (in two), from 'at-' + 'twain' (two). 'Twain' comes from Old English 'twegen' meaning two.

Kelly Says

'In two atwain' appears in Shakespeare and old poetry—it's so archaic that modern readers need the repetition to get it, but it was once the natural way to say 'split apart.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.