alma mater

views updated May 23 2018

alma mater the university, school, or college that one once attended. The phrase is recorded from the mid 17th century, in the general sense ‘someone or something providing nourishment’; in Latin, literally ‘bounteous mother’, a title given to various Roman goddesses, notably Ceres and Cybele.

Alma Mater

views updated Jun 08 2018

Alma Mater XIX. — L., ‘bounteous mother’, title given by the Romans to Ceres, Cybele, and other goddesses, transf. to universities and schools as the fostering mothers of their alumni.