Avernus

[ uh-vur-nuhs ]

noun

1. a lake near Naples, Italy, looked upon in ancient times as an entrance to hell, from whose waters vile-smelling vapors arose, supposedly killing birds flying over it.
2. hell.

Other Words From

• A·vernal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Avernus¹

< Latin < Greek áornos birdless, equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + órn ( is ) bird + -os adj. suffix

Example Sentences

Decius followed, as he would have followed through the portals of Avernus.

From Project Gutenberg

I have not at this moment the remotest conception where the engine-room is, or where lies the descent to that Avernus.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a volcanic lake near Cumae called Avernus, whose waters gave out sulphureous vapours.

From Project Gutenberg

A vast iron cauldron with half the fires of Avernus beneath it is partly filled with water that soon boils furiously.

From Project Gutenberg

He was well out of Avernus and beginning to scale Olympus, and his mind reverted to the earlier and happier part of the evening.

From Project Gutenberg