nepenthe

noun ne·pen·the \nə-ˈpen(t)-thē\

Definition of NEPENTHE

: a potion used by the ancients to induce forgetfulness of pain or sorrow

: something capable of causing oblivion of grief or suffering

— ne·pen·the·an \-thē-ən\ adjective

See nepenthe defined for kids

Origin of NEPENTHE

Latin nepenthes, from Greek nēpenthes, neuter of nēpenthēs banishing pain and sorrow, from nē- not + penthos grief, sorrow; akin to Greek pathos suffering — more at no, pathos

First Known Use: 1577

Learn More About NEPENTHE

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "nepenthe"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: nepetaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: NepenthaceaeAll Words Near: nepenthe

Seen & Heard

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

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

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

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More