Fatimid

noun

Fat·​i·​mid

ˈfatəməd,

-(ˌ)mid

variants or less commonly Fatimite

-ˌmīt

plural -s

often attributive

: a descendant of Fatima, a daughter of Muhammad, and Ali, the cousin of Muhammad and fourth caliph of Islam, regarded by the Shiʽites as a true heir to the caliphate

especially : a member of the Fatimid dynasty ruling portions of North Africa during the period a.d. 909–1171

Word History

Etymology

Fatima †a.d. 632 daughter of Muhammad by his first wife + English -id or -ite

The Ultimate Dicitonary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now