Cyrenaic

noun Cy·re·na·ic \ˌsir-ə-ˈnā-ik, ˌsī-rə-\

Definition of CYRENAIC

: an adherent of the doctrine that pleasure is the chief end of life

— Cyrenaic adjective

— Cy·re·na·icism \-ˈnā-ə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

Latin cyrenaicus, from Greek kyrēnaikos, from Kyrēnē Cyrene, Africa, home of Aristippus, author of the doctrine

First Known Use: 1586

Next Word in the Dictionary: cyrillaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: CypselusAll Words Near: Cyrenaic

What made you want to look up Cyrenaic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears