Definition of abyss

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< abysmal

abyssal >

a·byss    (-bs) KEY 

NOUN:

1. An immeasurably deep chasm, depth, or void: "lost in the vast abysses of space and time" (Loren Eiseley).
2. 1. The primeval chaos out of which it was believed that the earth and sky were formed.
   2. The abode of evil spirits; hell.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English abissus, from Late Latin abyssus, from Greek abussos, bottomless : a-, without ; see a-¹ + bussos, bottom