I. i-ˈmer-ə-təs noun
( plural emer·i·ti -ə-ˌtī, -ˌtē)
Date: 1750
: one retired from professional life but permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin, past participle of emereri to serve out one's term, from e- + mereri, merēre to earn, deserve, serve — more at merit
Date: 1794
1. : holding after retirement an honorary title corresponding to that held last during active service
2. : retired from an office or position
professor emeritus
— converted to emeriti after a plural
professors emeriti