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.

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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

Miss E. Gwen Martin of the Motor Service, was the actual pilot of this arrangement, concealed from public view, perspiring like a navvy, but steering the tank as a veteran of the Cambrai avernus might have steered it.

From Slate

Blood relation Of gods, Trojan, son of Anchises, It is easy to descend into Avernus.

From The Guardian

Handel’s vocal writing can be fiercely demanding, nowhere more so than in the Angel’s opening aria, “Be unbarred, ye gates of Avernus,” in which Liv Redpath, a soprano, displayed lovely tone and fine agility.

From New York Times

There, the Cumean Sybil, so beautifully depicted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel ceiling, advises Aeneas how to descend to the underworld from nearby Lake Avernus to visit his father, but warns of the danger of the journey.

From New York Times

“Offspring / of gods by blood, Trojan Anchises’ son, / The way downward is easy from Avernus ... but to retrace your steps to heaven’s air, / There is the trouble, there is the toil,” she says.

From New York Times