portent

[ pawr-tent, pohr- ]
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noun
  1. an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous.

  2. threatening or disquieting significance: an occurrence of dire portent.

  1. a prodigy or marvel.

Origin of portent

1
First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin portentum “sign, token,” noun use of neuter of portentus, past participle of portendere “to signify, presage, portend”; see portend

synonym study For portent

1. See sign.

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British Dictionary definitions for portent

portent

/ (ˈpɔːtɛnt) /


noun
  1. a sign or indication of a future event, esp a momentous or calamitous one; omen

  2. momentous or ominous significance: a cry of dire portent

  1. a miraculous occurrence; marvel

Origin of portent

1
C16: from Latin portentum sign, omen, from portendere to portend

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