From Middle English abiten, from Old English ābītan ("to bite in pieces, tear to pieces, bite, eat, devour, gnaw, taste, partake of, consume"), from Proto-Germanic *uz- ("out") + *bītaną, equivalent to a- + bite.
Modern English dictionary
Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.
Word of the Day
Get a curated memorable word every day.
Challenge yourself
Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.