almagest

noun

al·​ma·​gest ˈal-mə-ˌjest How to pronounce almagest (audio)
: any of several early medieval treatises on a branch of knowledge

Word History

Etymology

Middle English almageste, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-majusti, the Arabic version of Ptolemy's astronomy treatise, from al the + Greek megistē (syntaxis), literally, greatest (composition)

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of almagest was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Almagest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/almagest. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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