Abyssinian

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˌæb.ɪˈsɪn.ɪ.É™n/
• US IPA: /ˌæb.ɪˈsɪn.i.É™n/, /ˌæb.əˈsɪn.i.É™n/, /ˌæb.əˈsɪn.jÉ™n/
• Rhymes: -ɪnjÉ™n
• Rhymes: -ɪniÉ™n

Alternative forms

• Abyssian, Abyssin, Abyssine rare

Origin

Abyssinia + -n

Full definition of Abyssinian

Adjective

1. (dated, usually capitalized) Of or pertaining to Ethiopia or its inhabitants; Ethiopian. First attested in the late 18th century.

Noun

1. A short-haired domestic cat descended from cats of ancient Egypt making it one of the oldest breeds in the world; Abyssinian cat. First attested in the late 19th century.
2. A member of the Abyssinian Church.
3. (dated) A native of Ethiopia. First attested in the mid 18th century.

Proper noun

1. The Amharic language.

Derived terms

• Abyssinian gold - an alloy of 90.74 parts of copper and 8.33 parts of zinc