You searched for: “emeritus”
emeritus (adjective) (not comparable)
A reference to someone who is designated as an inactive professor, pastor, bishop, pope, director, president, prime minister, or other profession: An emeritus person describes anyone who is retired but who still holds an honorary title that corresponds to the position that he or she held prior to leaving a profession or occupation.
An honorary title after one has retired.
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This entry is located in the following unit: merit-, meri-, mere- (page 1)
emeritus (s) (noun), emeriti (pl)
A person who has served his time in some profession: Mildred's uncle was a professor of the university and now he has retired and she is now attending the same academic institution.

The origin of this word comes from Roman military tradition with the meaning of "a soldier who has served his time honorably". Modern usage usually refers to a university officer who is rewarded for faithful service with the position, for example, professor emeritus.

The title of emeritus may allow the person so honored to continue to use the facilities of the institution and to attend ceremonies as an honored member of the academic community.

This entry is located in the following units: Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group E (page 1) merit-, meri-, mere- (page 1)
emeritus, merit, meritorious
emeritus (i MER i tuhs) (adjective)
Relating to a person who is retired from a professional position; descriptive of someone who holds an equivalent rank or title to that held prior to retirement: The emeritus professor was invited back to the school to give a guest lecture.
merit (MER it) (noun)
Behavior or conduct deserving of positive recognition and honor: The professor's service on the committee was of the highest merit.
meritorious (mer" i TOR ee uhs, mer i TOHR ee uhs) (adjective)
Concerning behavior or actions that deserve esteem and honor: Jarvis received a medal in recognition of his meritorious contributions to helping handicapped people.

The emeritus professor really did merit the award she received for her meritorious contribution to the fund raising efforts of the university.

This entry is located in the following unit: Confusing Words Clarified: Group E; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. + (page 2)