archnemesis

noun

arch·​nem·​e·​sis (ˌ)ärch-ˈne-mə-səs 

plural archnemeses (ˌ)ärch-ˈne-mə-ˌsēz 

: 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

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!