Avernus

[ uh-vur-nuhs ]

/ əˈvɜr nəs /

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noun

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.

hell.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Avernus

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

OTHER WORDS FROM Avernus

A·ver·nal, adjective

How to use Avernus in a sentence

Decius followed, as he would have followed through the portals of Avernus.
The Lion's Brood|Duffield Osborne
I have not at this moment the remotest conception where the engine-room is, or where lies the descent to that Avernus.
America To-day, Observations and Reflections|William Archer
There was a volcanic lake near Cumae called Avernus, whose waters gave out sulphureous vapours.
The Aeneid of Virgil|Virgil
A vast iron cauldron with half the fires of Avernus beneath it is partly filled with water that soon boils furiously.
Sixes and Sevens|O. Henry

He was well out of Avernus and beginning to scale Olympus, and his mind reverted to the earlier and happier part of the evening.
The Silver Butterfly|Mrs. Wilson Woodrow