Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Saturnine
Sat′ur-nine
,Adj.
[L.
Saturnus
the god Saturn, also, the planet Saturn: cf. F. saturnin
of or pertaining to lead (Saturn, in old chemistry, meaning lead), saturnien
saturnine, saturnian. See Saturn
.] 1.
Born under, or influenced by, the planet Saturn.
2.
Heavy; grave; gloomy; dull; – the opposite of
mercurial
; as, a
. saturnine
person or temperAddison.
3.
(Old Chem.)
Of or pertaining to lead; characterized by, or resembling, lead, which was formerly called Saturn.
[Archaic]
Saturnine colic
(Med.)
, lead colic.
Webster 1828 Edition
Saturnine
SAT'URNINE
,Adj.
1.
Supposed to be under the influence of Saturn. Hence,2.
Dull; heavy; grave; not readily susceptible of excitement; phlegmatic; as a saturnine person or temper.Definition 2024
saturnine
saturnine
English
Adjective
saturnine (comparative more saturnine, superlative most saturnine)
- Of or born under Saturn's influence.
- Containing lead, or suffering from lead poisoning (saturnia).
- Having a tendency to be gloomy, bitter, and sarcastic; sullenly sardonic.
- Gloomy, depressed, dull.
- Cold and slow to change and react (refers to mood).
Derived terms
- saturnine gout
Translations
gloomy, depressed, dull
Quotations
- 1770, Nicholas Culpeper, The English physician enlarged., page 167
- "But Henbane delights most to grow in Saturnine Places, and whole Cart-Loads of it may be found near the Places where they empty the common Jacks, and scarce a Ditch can be found without it growing by it. Ergo, it is an Herb of Saturn."
- 1793, John Whitehead, The life of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A, page 550
- "But Dr. Johnson would certainly not have expressed himself in this strong language of approbation, had Mr. Wesley been that dark, saturnine creature, represented by Archbishop Herring."