post meridiem

English

Alternative forms

• pm, PM, p.m.
• postmeridiem

Etymology

From Latin post (“after”) + merīdiem, accusative singular of merīdiēs (“noon, midday”).

Adverb

post meridiem (not comparable)

1. After noon, in the afternoon.
   • 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,^[1] 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,^[2] Doubleday, Page & Company, page 84,

     We reached that amiable town around two hours post meridiem, exceedingly hungry from our anxieties en route.

Antonyms

• ante meridiem