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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.


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Other Words From

  • A·vernal adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of Avernus1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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