I. ˈmir noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English — more at marine
Date: before 12th century
chiefly British : an expanse of standing water : lake , pool
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English mǣre; akin to Old Norse landa mæri borderland
Date: before 12th century
: boundary ; also : landmark
III. adjective
( 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