Alexandrian

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Relating to the ancient city of Alexandria in Egypt or its culture; describing the style or characteristics associated with the Alexandrian period, particularly in literature or scholarship; pertaining to anything originating from or connected to this historic center of learning
2. Connected to the historic metropolis of Alexandria, especially its rich cultural, literary, and intellectual heritage; referring to the unique approaches or attributes tied to this ancient urban center; indicating a link with the traditions or works developed in that locale
3. Associated with the city founded by Alexander the Great known for its library and scholarly pursuits; characterizing the literary, artistic, or academic features emerging from this context; relating broadly to the geographic and cultural environment of Alexandria in ancient times

Etymology: Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great, and the city's name is the root of this word. "Alexandrian" is built from "Alexandria" with the suffix "-n," so it means someone or something from that city. Its ancient and scholarly associations come from the city's famous library and school. Another strand comes from the name Alexander itself. Medieval French poets used a twelve-syllable line, which came to be called the "alexandrine," after a poem about Alexander the Great. The adjective and noun in its verse sense are altered forms of that French word, so a line of verse and a citizen of a city share a remote ancestor in one conqueror's name.

Synonyms: Alexandrine, Alexandrian style