immortal
nounEtymology
From Latin immortālis, from prefix im- (“not”) (from in-) + mortālis (“mortal”) (from mors (“death”), combining form mort- + adjectival suffix -alis), equivalent to im- + mortal. Displaced native undeadly, from Old English undēadlīċ. The term referring to the Persian soldiers was a Calque of Ancient Greek ἀθάνατος (athánatos). One suggestion claimed that "Immortals" were named by the ancient Greeks because wounded soldiers were quickly replaced, while another claimed that it was because Greek informants confused Old Persian *anauša- (“immortal, without death”) with Old Persian *anūšiya- (“companion, royal bodyguard”).
One who is not susceptible to death.
- The brutal insouciance of her fellow immortals — whether her sharp-tongued mother, Perse; or chilly Hermes; or righteous Athena enraged — proves increasingly alien to this thoughtful and compassionate woman who learns to love unselfishly.2018 May 28, Claire Messud, “Turning Circe Into a Good Witch”, in The New York Times:
A preeminent or exemplary person or thing; a paragon.
Board games, Chess, Games A game of chess of especially high quality and entertainment, regarded as one of the best in history.
- Anand's Immortal
A member of an elite regiment of the Persian army.
A member of the Académie française.
Internet An administrator of a multi-user dungeon.
- Tazmania/Middle Sphere is in need of builders, admin, and immortals. […] Immortals do not need experiance^([sic]).1999, Corey Crawford, “RECRUITING: [circle] Tazmania/Middle Sphere: Admin, Builders, Immortals”, in rec.games.mud.announce (Usenet):