Celt Definition

sĕlt
noun
A prehistoric tool of stone or metal, resembling a chisel or ax head.
Webster's New World
A member of an ancient people in central and W Europe, reputedly including the Gauls and Britons.
Webster's New World
A person who speaks a Celtic language or a descendant of such a person: the Bretons, Irish, Welsh, and Highland Scots are Celts.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
pronoun
A member of one of the ancient peoples of Western Europe called Celtae by the Romans.
Wiktionary
A member of one of the (modern, Celtic) peoples who speak Celtic languages. (Compare Gael.)
Wiktionary
abbreviation
Celtic.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Celt

Noun

Singular:
celt
Plural:
celts

Origin of Celt

  • Medieval Latin celtis chisel probably back-formed from celte a word found in some manuscripts of the Vulgate (Job 14:24) and interpreted as the ablative of a Latin celtis chisel but probably a misreading of Latin certē certainly

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • English Celts is from the 17th century. Until the mid 19th century, IPA: /sɛlt/ is the only recorded pronunciation. A consciously archaizing pronunciation IPA: /kɛlt/ is advocated in Irish and Welsh nationalism beginning in the 1850s.

    From Wiktionary

  • French Celte sing. of Celtes Celts from Latin Celtae from Greek Keltoi

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Via Latin Celtae (singular Celta) from Ancient Greek Kελτοί (Keltoi).

    From Wiktionary

  • From Latin celtis (“chisel”).

    From Wiktionary

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