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maud·lin

(môdlĭn)

adj.

Effusively sad or full of self-pity; extremely sentimental: "displayed an almost maudlin concern for the welfare of animals" (Aldous Huxley). See Synonyms at sentimental.

[Alteration of (Mary) Magdalene, who was frequently depicted as a tearful penitent.]

maudlin·ly adv.

maudlin·ness n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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