Alimony

Pronunciation

Origin

Known since 1655, from Latin alimonia ("food, support, nourishment, sustenance") (English aliment, as in alimentary), itself from alere ("to nourish") + -monia ("action, state, condition").

Full definition of alimony

Noun

1. (legal) A court-enforced allowance made to a former spouse by a divorced or legally separated person.
2. The means to support life.

Derived terms

• palimony
• alimonious

Related terms

• aliment
• alimentary