Definition: Alma mater
Etymology
From Latin alma māter (literally "nourishing mother"). Derives from the full name ("Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna") of the oldest European university, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088.
Noun
alma mater (plural almae matres or alma maters)
- A school, college, or university from which an individual has graduated or attended classes.
- A school's anthem or song.
Related terms
- alimentary
- alimony
- alumnus
- mater
- maternal
- maternity
- matriculate
Credits
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