Lustrum

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈlÊŒstɹəm/

Origin

From Latin lustrum ("period of five years").

Full definition of lustrum

Noun

1. Roman religion A lustration or ceremonial purification of all the ancient Roman people, performed every five years, after the taking of the census.
2. A period of five years.
• 1835, Edgar Allan Poe, , Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Folio Society 2007, p. 31:Thus passed away two lustra of her life, and, as yet, my daughter remained nameless upon the earth.
• 1985, John Fowles, A Maggot:Q. Now, sir, if you would be so kind as to guess upon his age. A. Forty five years are certain. I would guess a lustrum more.

Synonyms

• quinquennium