Postdiluvian is a somewhat challenging word to spell. It refers to the time period after the biblical flood, and is pronounced /pɒst-dɪ-loo-vee-ən/. The first part, "post-", means "after," while "diluvian" means "of or related to a flood." The stress is on the second syllable, making it easier to remember. The spelling follows the standard English pattern of using a double "l" when the stress falls on the second-to-last syllable. While it may take practice to master spelling postdiluvian, it's a useful term for discussing ancient history.
Postdiluvian is an adjective that refers to events, conditions, or sources originating from or taking place after the Great Flood mentioned in the biblical story of Noah's Ark. It is derived from the Latin terms "post," meaning after, and "diluvium," which translates to flood.
The term is most commonly used in a figurative sense to describe something that follows a catastrophic event or moment of destruction, often suggesting a new beginning or a world altered by significant changes. It implies a period or state that succeeds the immense disaster of a flood, symbolizing a renewal or the start of a new era.
While its primary association lies in relation to the biblical narrative, "postdiluvian" can also be employed more broadly to describe any period or concept that emerges after a massive disruption or upheaval. It can be applied to historical events, where it signifies the era after a devastating war or natural catastrophe, or in contemporary contexts, to depict stages of recovery or reconstruction after a major calamity.
Additionally, "postdiluvian" can denote scientific discussions regarding geological or paleontological discoveries following substantial flooding, or the study of life and conditions on Earth after the appearance of new landforms or landmasses.
In conclusion, "postdiluvian" characterizes a state or occurrence succeeding a devastating flood, carrying implications of rebirth, reconstruction, and the emergence of new horizons.
One who lived after the flood, or who has lived since the deluge.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Postdiluvian" comes from a combination of two Latin terms: "post", meaning "after", and "diluvium", meaning "flood". "Postdiluvian" is thus formed by joining these two terms together, and it is used to refer to the period of time after the biblical Flood, particularly in relation to the pre-Flood world and its inhabitants.