saturnine
UK[ˈsætənaɪn]US[ˈsætərnaɪn]
adj
(of a person or their manner) gloomy, sluggish, or cold in temperament.
adj
(archaic) relating to or containing lead.
Morpheme Breakdown
saturn
ine
saturn
the planet/roman god
ine
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'saturnine' originates from medieval latin 'saturninus', meaning 'of the planet saturn'. in ancient and medieval astrology, the planet saturn was believed to exert a cold, dry, and melancholic influence on those born under it. this astrological association with gloom and sluggishness was later extended to describe a person's temperament. a secondary, now archaic, meaning relating to lead arose from the metal's traditional alchemical association with the slow, heavy planet saturn.
Analysis
Structure: saturn (the planet/roman god) + ine (adjective suffix)
saturn (latin, proper noun, referring to the roman god saturn or the planet); ine (latin, adjective-forming suffix meaning 'of or pertaining to').
Examples
his saturnine expression made it difficult to tell if he was pleased or annoyed.
the detective's saturnine demeanor contrasted sharply with the cheerful atmosphere of the party.
in medieval alchemy, saturnine substances were those associated with the element of lead.