adj
abyssal
Abyssal (adj) means So deep that it seems to have no bottom.
adj
1
So deep that it seems to have no bottom.
2
Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean, far below the surface.
"This "abyssal" life, typically in the form of strange tube-worms and microbes, is almost completely unknown to science."
— The Canberra Times, Australian Captial Territory (1994)
3
Describes rock that formed very deep inside the earth's crust.
4
Extremely dark and hopeless in mood.
"In an attempt to avoid sliding into incorrigible despair, I abandon such abyssal and existential pondering and investigate the artist behind the work."
— Tharunka, Kensington (1998)
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Etymology
First recorded in the 1690s, abyssal comes from Medieval Latin abyssalis, from Latin abyssus (“abyss”) plus -alis (“-al”), and is equivalent to abyss + -al.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of abyssal?
"abyssal" (adj) means so deep that it seems to have no bottom.
What is another word for abyssal?
Other words for "abyssal" include abysmal, unfathomable.
What is the opposite of abyssal?
The opposite of "abyssal" is shallow.
What are the different meanings of abyssal?
"abyssal" has 3 main meanings: 1. So deep that it seems to have no bottom; 2. Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean, far below the surface; 3. Describes rock that formed very deep inside the earth's crust.
