n. & adj.
--n.
1. the Italic language of ancient Rome and its empire, originating in Latium.
2 Rom.Hist. an inhabitant of ancient Latium in Central Italy.
--adj.
1. of or in Latin.
2 of the countries or peoples (e.g. France and Spain) using languages developed from Latin.
3 Rom.Hist. of or relating to ancient Latium or its inhabitants.
4 of the Roman Catholic Church.
Phrases and idioms:
Latin America the parts of Central and S. America where Spanish or Portuguese is the main language. Latin American n. a native of Latin America.
--adj. of or relating to Latin America. Latin Church the Western Church.
Derivatives:
Latinism n. Latinist n.
Etymology: ME f. OF Latin or L Latinus f. Latium