ablative

¹

[ ab-luh-tiv ]

adjective

1. (in some inflected languages) noting a case that has among its functions the indication of place from which or, as in Latin, place in which, manner, means, instrument, or agent.

noun

1. the ablative case. : abl.
2. a word in that case, as Troiā in Latin Aenēas Troiā vēnit, “Aeneas came from Troy.”

ablative

²

[ a-bley-tiv ]

adjective

1. capable of or susceptible to ablation; tending to ablate:

   the ablative nose cone of a rocket.

ablative

/ ˈæblətɪv /

adjective

1. (in certain inflected languages such as Latin) denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument, manner, or place of the action described by the verb

noun

1. 1. the ablative case
   2. a word or speech element in the ablative case
2. taking away or removing

   ablative surgery

3. able to disintegrate or be worn away at a very high temperature

   a thick layer of ablative material

Other Words From

• ab·la·ti·val [ab-l, uh, -, tahy, -v, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ablative¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word ablātīvus. See ablate, -ive

Origin of ablative²

First recorded in 1560–70; ablate + -ive

Example Sentences

Its origin is involved in obscurity: but may it not be a corruption of the Latin ambages, or the singular ablative ambage?

From Project Gutenberg

The first three lines might have been expressed by an ablative absolute in two words—Troia euersa.

From Project Gutenberg

As in other Indo-Aryan languages, comparison is effected by putting the noun with which comparison is made in the ablative case.

From Project Gutenberg

When they come to die, they leave earth with but a single regret: they have never been able fully to compass the ablative.

From Project Gutenberg

Satis habere is in construction with an infinitive; contentum esse, generally with an ablative, or with quod.

From Project Gutenberg