Abyssal

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /əˈbɪs.lÌ©/
• US IPA: /əˈbɪs.lÌ©/
• Rhymes: -ɪsÉ™l

Origin

First attested in the 1690's. From Medieval Latin abyssalis,

SOED5|page=11

RHCD|page=7

from abyssus ("abyss") + -alis ("-al")

MW3 1976|page=9

. Equivalent to abyss + -al.

Full definition of abyssal

Adjective

1. (archaic) Belonging to, or resembling, an abyss; unfathomable. First attested in the mid 17^th century.
2. (geography) Of or belonging to the ocean depths, especially below 2000 metres (6500 ft): abyssal zone. First attested in the mid 19^th century.
3. (geology) Pertaining to or occurring at excessive depths in the earth's crust; plutonic. First attested in the late 19^th century.

Derived terms

• abyssally
• abyssal fish
• abyssal plain physical geography
• abyssal zone physical geography