ament

¹ American  

[ey-ment, ey-muhnt] / ˈeɪ mɛnt, ˈeɪ mənt /

noun

1. a person who has amentia.

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ament ² American  

[am-uhnt, ey-muhnt] / ˈæm ənt, ˈeɪ mənt /

noun

Botany.

1. catkin.

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ament ¹ British  

/ ˈeɪmənt, æˈmɛnt /

noun

1. psychiatry a mentally deficient person

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ament ² British  

/ ˈeɪmənt, ˈæmənt /

noun

1. Also called: amentum.  another name for catkin

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ament Scientific  

/ ăm′ənt,ā′mənt /

1. See catkin

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Other Word Forms

• amentaceous adjective
• amental adjective
• amentiferous adjective

Etymology

Origin of ament¹

1890–95; < Latin āment- (stem of āmēns out of one's mind, mad), equivalent to ā- a- ⁴ + ment-; mental ¹

Origin of ament¹

1785–95; < New Latin, Latin āmentum strap, thong

Example Sentences

But in dozens of interviews, current and former colleagues of Mr. Acosta, who is now dean of Florida International University’s law school, are deeply split in their ament of the nominee.

From New York Times

A beautiful species on account of its showy staminate aments and large glossy leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

Preparation.—The fresh aments are macerated in twice their weight of alcohol.

From Project Gutenberg

Fund′ament, the lower part or seat of the body; Fundamental′ity.—adv.

From Project Gutenberg

"Balm of Gilead" was the name that inquiry brought for this tree, and the resinous and sweet-smelling buds which preceded the rather inconspicuous catkins or aments of bloom seemed to justify the Biblical designation.

From Project Gutenberg