alimony

== English == === Etymology === Known since the 17th century, from Latin alimōnia (“food, support, nourishment, sustenance”) (English aliment, as in alimentary), itself from alō (“to nourish”) + -mōnia (“action, state, condition”). === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈæl.ɪ.mə.ni/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈæl.ə.moʊ.ni/ Hyphenation: a‧li‧mony === Noun === alimony (countable and uncountable, plural alimonies) (law, sometimes derogatory) A court-mandated allowance made to a former spouse by a divorced or legally separated person. Synonym: maintenance (obsolete) Nourishment, sustenance, especially for one's spirit. ==== Usage notes ==== Sometimes considered politically incorrect in the United States, with favor for terms like spousal support instead. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Descendants ==== → Welsh: alimoni ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== === Further reading === “alimony”, in Collins English Dictionary. “alimony, pn.”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022. “alimony”, in OneLook Dictionary Search. “alimony”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present. “alimony”, in TheFreeDictionary.com, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.: Farlex, Inc., 2003–2026 === Anagrams === Molniya