abysm

The story

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromἄβυσσος
2. Late Latin · derived from*abyssimus
3. Old French · derived fromabisme
4. Middle English · inherited fromabime
5. English todayabysm

From Middle English abime, from Old French abisme from Late Latin *abyssimus, a superlative of abyssus (“bottomless pit”), from Ancient Greek ἄβυσσος (ábussos). Cognate to French abîme. See also abyss.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from between 1150 and 1350 Hell; the infernal pit; the great deep; the primal chaos.
• from late 15th century An abyss; a gulf, a chasm, a very deep hole.