archnemesis

noun

arch·​nem·​e·​sis (ˌ)ärch-ˈne-mə-səs How to pronounce archnemesis (audio)
plural archnemeses (ˌ)ärch-ˈne-mə-ˌsēz How to pronounce archnemesis (audio)
: archrival
Ratchet and Clank are split up after the spritelike beings called the Zoni whisk Clank away. Players soon find out Dr. Nefarious, their archnemesis, was partly behind the kidnapping.—Gieson Cacho, Contra Costa Times (California), 10 Dec. 2009

Word History

Etymology

arch- entry 1 + nemesis

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of archnemesis was in 1901

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Dictionary Entries Near archnemesis

archly

archnemesis

arch of the aorta

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Cite this Entry

“Archnemesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archnemesis. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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