sanskrit
sanskrit Lexical Profile
• noun
An ancient Indo-Aryan language of South Asia that serves as the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and is the ancestor of many modern northern Indian languages.
"She studied Sanskrit at the university in order to read the ancient Vedic hymns and philosophical treatises in their original form."
• adjective
Relating to, written in, or derived from the classical Indo-Aryan language of ancient India.
"The museum acquired a rare collection of illuminated Sanskrit manuscripts dating back to the twelfth century."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed directly from Sanskrit saṃskṛta, meaning 'put together, refined, or perfected' (from sam- 'together' + kṛta 'made'), contrasting the formalized liturgical language with the everyday vernaculars known as Prakrits.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.