Posthumous Definition
pŏschə-məs
adjective
Born after the father's death.
Webster's New World
Arising, continuing, or coming to pass after one's death.
A posthumous award.
Webster's New World
Published after the author's death.
Webster's New World
After the death of someone.
The posthumous Medal of Honor was given to the family of the soldier who died in battle.
Usage note: Posthumous awards are made when the intended recipient dies as a result of the action which merits the award. Even a short time lag between the action and the decision may cause the award to be conferred after death or there may be a longer delay such as when a review board decides to confer an award decades after a war has ended but such awards while they may be post mortem (literally, "after death") are not posthumous awards.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
- postmortal
- postmortem
Origin of Posthumous
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Middle English posthumus from Late Latin alteration (perhaps influenced by Latin humus earth) (or humāre to bury) of postumus superlative of posterus coming after posterior
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From Latin posthumus, a variant spelling of postumus, superlative form of posterus ("coming after"), the "h" added by association with humus ("ground, earth") referring to burial.
From Wiktionary
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