abyss Hear it!

abyss definition

abyss (ə bis)

noun

  1. a deep fissure in the earth; bottomless gulf; chasm
  2. anything too deep for measurement; profound depth abyss of shame, of time, etc.
  3. the ocean depths
  4. Theol. the primeval void or chaos before the Creation

Etymology: L abyssus < Gr abyssos < a-, without + byssos, bottom

Related Forms:

  • abyssal abys′·sal (ə bisəl) adjective

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