n.
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: superlative mer · est
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin merus; akin to Old English ā merian to purify and perhaps to Greek marmairein to sparkle ― more at MORN
Date: 15th century
1 : having no admixture : PURE
2 obsolete : being nothing less than : ABSOLUTE
3 : being nothing more than <a mere mortal> <a mere hint of spice>
– mere · ly adverb