noun

spiritus

Spiritus (noun) means the Latin word for breath or breathing, occasionally used in English discussions of etymology or Slavic/Greek linguistics for a breathing mark. Example: “The spiritus asper mark in Greek indicates an initial "h" sound.”

noun

The Latin word for breath or breathing, occasionally used in English discussions of etymology or Slavic/Greek linguistics for a breathing mark.

"The spiritus asper mark in Greek indicates an initial "h" sound."

How to use spiritus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA Latin term for "breath," mostly seen today in linguistics or in the names of certain spirits/liqueurs.

Word forms

spirituses plural, spiritus plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “spiritus” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ asper mark in Greek indicates an initial "h" sound.

Etymology

Directly from Latin spīritus, "breath, spirit" — the same root that gives English "spirit," "inspire," and "respiration."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for spiritus

Titus coitus emeritus mellitus

See all rhymes for spiritus →

Frequently asked questions

What does “spiritus” mean?

The word “spiritus” means the Latin word for breath or breathing, occasionally used in English discussions of etymology or Slavic/Greek linguistics for a breathing mark. In plain terms, a Latin term for "breath," mostly seen today in linguistics or in the names of certain spirits/liqueurs.

How do you use “spiritus” in a sentence?

Here is “spiritus” used in a sentence: “The spiritus asper mark in Greek indicates an initial "h" sound.”

What part of speech is “spiritus”?

“Spiritus” is a noun.

Where does the word “spiritus” come from?

The word “spiritus” comes from Latin. Directly from Latin spīritus, "breath, spirit" — the same root that gives English "spirit," "inspire," and "respiration.".