LUSTRUM Meaning and
Definition
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Lustrum is a noun of Latin origin that refers to a period of time consisting of five years. It is derived from the Latin word "lustrare," meaning "to purify" or "to cleanse." In ancient Rome, a lustrum was a significant ceremonial and religious event held every five years, marking the conclusion of a census and symbolizing purification and renewal for the Roman society.
The concept of lustrum expanded to represent the span of time between two consecutive censuses. During this period, the Roman state was believed to undergo a thorough cleansing and purging of negative influences. The lustrum was considered a period of reinvigoration and fresh beginnings, both socially and politically.
Today, lustrum generally refers to any period of five years. It can be used to describe a wide range of contexts, such as political cycles, academic calendars, or corporate planning. This term is commonly employed in formal language and is particularly prevalent in historical or research-related fields.
In summary, a lustrum denotes a five-year period characterized by the concepts of purification and renewal. Originally rooted in ancient Roman tradition, it has developed a broader usage in contemporary settings to refer to any span of time lasting five years.
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In anc. Rome, the space of about five years, or the interval between the lustrations-see lustral.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LUSTRUM
- kustrum
- pustrum
- oustrum
- lystrum
- lhstrum
- ljstrum
- listrum
- l8strum
- l7strum
- luatrum
- luztrum
- luxtrum
- ludtrum
- luetrum
- luwtrum
- lusrrum
- lusfrum
- lusgrum
- lusyrum
Etymology of LUSTRUM
The word "lustrum" has its origins in Latin. In Ancient Rome, a lustrum referred to a purification ceremony that took place every five years. During this ceremony, sacrifices were made and various rituals were performed to cleanse the city and its inhabitants of any sins or impurities.
The term "lustrum" comes from the Latin word "lustrare", which means "to purify" or "to illuminate". This word, in turn, is derived from the Latin word "lucere", meaning "to shine" or "to glow".
Over time, the word "lustrum" began to be used more generally to refer to a period of five years, as it was during this interval that the lustrum ceremony was held. Eventually, the term expanded beyond the context of the ancient ceremony and is now commonly used to denote a period of five years in various contexts.
Similar spelling words for LUSTRUM
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