post meridiem

Definition

After noon, in the afternoon.

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from Medieval Latin post merīdiem, from Latin post (“after”) + merīdiem, accusative singular of merīdiēs (“noon, midday”).

Example Sentences

• "Some new Commissions produced, and Additions made to Committees, eodem die, Sess. 7. post meridiem."
• "1853, John Drew, Manual of Astronomy: A Popular Treatise on Descriptive, Physical, and Practical Astronomy, with a Familiar Explanation of Astronomical Instruments and the Best Methods of Using Them, Second Edition, George Bell, page 237, The civil day begins at midnight, and reckons 12 hours ante meridiem, or before noon, and 12 hours post meridiem, or after noon."
• "1923, Christopher Morley, The Powder of Sympathy, Doubleday, Page & Company, page 84, We reached that amiable town around two hours post meridiem, exceedingly hungry from our anxieties en route."