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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 bis′əl) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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