Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- a school, college, or university at which one has studied and, usually, from which one has graduated.
- the official anthem of a school, college, or university.
noun
- (often capitals) one’s school, college, or university
late 14c., Latin, literally “bountiful mother,” a title Romans gave to goddesses, especially Ceres and Cybele, from alma, fem. of almus “nourishing,” from alere “to nourish” (see old) + mater “mother” (see mother (n.1)). First used 1710 in sense of “one’s university or school” in reference to British universities.
The school or university from which one graduated. The term also refers to a school’s official song: “The reunion began with everyone singing the alma mater.” From Latin, meaning “nurturing mother.”
Also, Alma Mater. The school or college one attended and, usually, graduated from, as in During football season I always check to see how my alma mater is doing. This expression sometimes refers to the institution’s official song, as in I never did learn the words to my college’s alma mater. The term is Latin for “kind mother.” [c. 1800]