ancient

views updated

an·cient1 / ˈānchənt/ • adj. belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence: the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean. ∎  having been in existence for a very long time: ancient forests. ∎ chiefly humorous showing or feeling signs of age or wear: an ancient pair of jeans.• n. archaic or humorous an old person: a solitary ancient in a tweed jacket.PHRASES: the ancients the people of ancient times, esp. the Greeks and Romans. ∎  the classical Greek and Roman authors.DERIVATIVES: an·cient·ness n.an·cient2 • n. archaic a standard, flag, or ensign.

More From encyclopedia.com