Alexandrian school

noun

1
: the school of literature, science, and philosophy that flourished at Alexandria while that city was ruled by the Greeks and the Romans
2
: an ante-Nicene school of patristic philosophy developed slightly later than the African school, taking its rise from Pantaenus, including Clement and Origen, and centered in Alexandria
3
: a succession of Alexandrine Christian theologians who, in the 5th century and later, in the Christological debates against the theologians of Antioch, stressed the divinity and unity of Jesus Christ

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Alexandrian school was in 1693

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Alexandrian school

Cite this Entry

“Alexandrian school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Alexandrian%20school. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!