Pliny

[ plin-ee ]

noun

1. the ElderGaius Plinius Secundus, a.d. 23–79, Roman naturalist, encyclopedist, and writer.
2. his nephew ( “the Younger,” Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus ) a.d. 62?–c113, Roman writer, statesman, and orator.

Pliny

/ ˈplɪnɪ /

noun

1. Pliny2379MRomanWRITING: writer known as Pliny the Elder. Latin name Gaius Plinius Secundus. 23–79 ad , Roman writer, the author of the encyclopedic Natural History (77)
2. Pliny?62?113MRomanWRITING: writerPOLITICS: administrator his nephew, known as Pliny the Younger. Latin name Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus. ?62–?113 ad , Roman writer and administrator, noted for his letters

Other Words From

• Plini·an adjective

Example Sentences

Murex mollusks are the only source of the ancient dye, documented by Pliny, known as Tyrian purple.

From Washington Post

The historian Pliny the Elder describes owning agate cups as a sign of wealth and luxury.

From The Daily Beast

Pliny the Elder considered their plumbing to be the greatest accomplishment of the Roman Empire.

From The Daily Beast

Pliny Pickett slouched around the corner, and, as he approached, the unmistakable odor of horses became noticeable.

From Project Gutenberg

Inhabitants of Coldriver knew when Pliny came into a room even if their backs were turned.

From Project Gutenberg

Pliny says the temples were almost deserted through this contagious superstition.

From Project Gutenberg

Two days later Pliny Pickett stopped to speak to Scattergood in front of the hardware store.

From Project Gutenberg

Pliny supplemented and amplified the weekly newspaper, and so was very useful to Baines.

From Project Gutenberg