ad libitum

American  

[ad lib-i-tuhm, ahd lib-i-toom] / æd ˈlɪb ɪ təm, ɑd ˈlɪb ɪˌtʊm /

adjective

1. at one's pleasure.

2. Music. not obligatory or indispensable. ad lib.

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ad libitum British  

/ ˈlɪbɪtʊm, -təm /

adjective

1. Often shortened to: ad lib.  music (to be performed) at the performer's discretion

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Etymology

Origin of ad libitum

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1695–1705

Example Sentences

One group was permitted ad libitum feeding, which is eating whenever they wanted.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2023

In the experiment, the mice on the ad libitum schedule gained weight and experienced metabolic dysfunction, whereas the mice on time restricted feeding did not.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2023

This form of husbandry, known as ad libitum feeding, is cheap and convenient since animal technicians need only check the hoppers from time to time to make sure they haven’t run dry.

From Slate • Nov. 16, 2011

Non est inventus ad libitum scape goatum non comeatibus in swampo.

From Time Magazine Archive

Ziemann's recipe is to take old and good wine, and to mix it with mulberry syrup, rose julep, cinnamon water, and an ad libitum infusion of simples.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown