per curiam

adverb or adjective per cu·ri·am \(ˌ)pər-ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌäm, -ˈku̇r-\

Definition of PER CURIAM

: by the court as a whole rather than by a single justice and usually without extended discussion <a per curiam decision>

Medieval Latin per curiam, literally, by the court

First Known Use: 1685

Next Word in the Dictionary: per curiam decisionPrevious Word in the Dictionary: PercopsisAll Words Near: per curiam

What made you want to look up per curiam? 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