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Avernus

American  
[uh-vur-nuhs] / əˈvɜr nəs /

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 Word Forms

  • Avernal adjective

Etymology

Origin of Avernus

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Trojan, Anchises’ son, the descent of Avernus is easy.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

No, no; it's easy to descend to Avernus, or whatever it was; but to get back!

From What Will People Say? A novel by Hughes, Rupert

Some people say Avernus stinks And Acheron smells like a sewer But Fernhill golfers like our links They find the air so fresh and pure.

From Wayside Weeds by Ellis, William Hodgson

But the classical regions of Avernus and the Elysian fields, the abode of the Cum�an Sibyl, and the beautiful temples of Bai�, we explored at our leisure.

From Memoir of Mary L. Ware, Wife of Henry Ware, Jr. by Hall, Edward B.

He looked down upon the Lucrine Lake connected with the sea by a deep channel, and formed with Lake Avernus into one wide inlet fit for shipping.

From Naples Past and Present by Norway, Arthur H.