Dictionary Home »
Webster's New World College Dictionary » meretricious
meretricious
meretricious definition
mer·etri·cious (mer′ə tris̸h′əs)
adjective
- Obsolete of, like, or characteristic of a prostitute
- alluring by false, showy charms; attractive in a flashy way; tawdry
- superficially plausible; specious
Etymology: L meretricius < meretrix (gen. meretricis), a prostitute < mereri, to serve for hire, earn: see merit
Related Forms:
- meretriciously mer′·etri′·ciously adverb
- meretriciousness mer′·etri′·cious·ness noun
Browse dictionary definitions near meretricious
Also Mentioned In