English Explanatory Dictionary

alma mater

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A school, college, or university which a person has graduated from or attended.
  2. A school’s anthem or song.

Pronunciation

/ˌælmə ˈmeɪtə(ɹ)/ /ˌælmə ˈmɑːtə(ɹ)/ /ˌɑːlmə ˈmɑːtə(ɹ)/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-alma mater.wav

Word forms

alma mater almae matres alma maters

Etymology

From Latin alma māter (literally “nourishing mother”). Derives from the full name ("Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna") of the oldest European university, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088.

Related words

alimentary alimony alumnus mater maternal maternity matriculate

Derived words

matriotism
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