adrian Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun Roman Emperor who was the adoptive son of Trajan; travelled throughout his empire to strengthen its frontiers and encourage learning and architecture; on a visit to Britain in 122 he ordered the construction of Hadrian's Wall (76-138)
    Publius Aelius Hadrianus; Hadrian.
  2. noun English physiologist who conducted research into the function of neurons; 1st baron of Cambridge (1889-1997)
    Edgar Douglas Adrian; Baron Adrian.

WordNet

A"dri*an adjective
Etymology
L. Hadrianus.
Definitions
  1. Pertaining to the Adriatic Sea; as, Adrian billows.

Webster 1913