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Semite definition

Sem·ite (sem′īt′; chiefly Brit sē′mīt′)

noun

  1. a person regarded as descended from Shem
  2. a member of any of the peoples speaking a Semitic language, including the Hebrews, Arabs, Assyrians, Phoenicians, etc.
  3. Jew: a loose usage

Etymology: ModL Semita < LL(Ec) Sem, Shem < Gr (Ec) Sem < Heb shem, a son of Noah (Gen.7:13)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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