-ean

Save This Word!

an element used to form adjectives from nouns ending in -ea: crustacean.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of -ean

<Latin -ē(us) (Greek -eios), -ae(us) (Greek -aios), -e(us) + -an

Words nearby -ean

ealdorman, Ealing, EAM, Eames, Eames chair, -ean, E & OE, eanling, EAP, ear, earache

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use -ean in a sentence

But if the last vowel be small, an e is thrown into the termination; as, sil-ean eyes, srin-ean noses.
Elements of Gaelic Grammar|Alexander Stewart
And now you must come in and speak to my father and mother, and we must see what ean be done with you.
Rogues and Vagabonds|George R. Sims

British Dictionary definitions for -ean

-ean

suffix forming adjectives

a variant of -an Caesarean

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012