ancient

Ancient is defined as someone or something that has lasted a very long time.

(adjective)

The story of Hercules is an example of an ancient story.

The definition of ancient refers to an era that existed a very long time ago.

(adjective)

The Roman Empire is an example of an ancient civilization.

See ancient in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

of times long past; belonging to the early history of the world, esp. before the end of the Western Roman Empire ( 476)
having existed a long time; very old
old-fashioned; antiquated
Archaic having the wisdom, dignity, etc. of age; venerable

Origin: ME auncien < OFr ancien < VL *anteanus < L ante, before: -t by infl. of -ent

noun

Related Forms:

noun

Origin: confusion of ensign with earlier ancien, ancient

See ancient in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of great age; very old.
Of or relating to times long past, especially those of the historical period before the fall of the Western Roman Empire (A.D. 476). See Synonyms at old.
Old-fashioned; antiquated.
Having the qualities associated with age, wisdom, or long use; venerable.

noun

A very old person.
A person who lived in times long past.
ancients
a. The peoples of the classical nations of antiquity.
b. The ancient Greek and Roman authors.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English auncien

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *anteānus

Origin: : Latin ante, before; see ant- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + -ānus, adj. and n. suff

Related Forms: