April

[ey-pruh l] /ˈeɪ prəl/
noun
1.
the fourth month of the year, containing 30 days.
Abbreviation: Apr.
2.
a female given name.
Origin
before 1150; Middle English < Latin Aprīlis (adj., as modifying mēnsis month), probably based on Etruscan apru Aphrodite < Greek Aphrodítē; replacing Middle English Averil (< Old French avril < L), in its turn replacing late Old English aprilis (< L)
Examples from the web for April
  • The first four had already been members of the government appointed in April.
British Dictionary definitions for April

April

/ˈeɪprəl/
noun
1.
the fourth month of the year, consisting of 30 days
Word Origin
C14: from Latin Aprīlis, probably of Etruscan origin
Word Origin and History for April

c.1300, aueril, from Old French avril (11c.), from Latin (mensis) Aprilis "(month) of Venus," second month of the ancient Roman calendar, dedicated to the goddess Venus and perhaps based on Apru, an Etruscan borrowing of Greek Aphrodite. In English in Latin form from mid-12c. Replaced Old English Eastermonað, which was similarly named for a fertility goddess. Re-spelled in Middle English on Latin model (apprile first attested late 14c.).

Encyclopedia Article for April

fourth month of the Gregorian calendar. Its name probably derives from the Latin aperire ("to open"), a possible reference to plant buds opening at this time of year in Rome

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