ad libitum
1 of 2adverb
ad li·bi·tum (ˌ)ad-ˈli-bə-təm 
: ad lib
rats fed ad libitum
ad libitum
2 of 2adjective
: omissible according to a performer's wishes —used as a direction in music compare obbligato entry 1
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Julia Musto, Fox News, 29 Sep. 2021 The researchers found that, in the calorie restriction group, levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly after one year, and that change was maintained at two years, while changes were very small in the ad libitum group. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 11 July 2019
Adjective
Participants were then presented with an ad libitum meal. Julia Musto, Fox News, 29 Sep. 2021 The researchers found that, in the calorie restriction group, levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly after one year, and that change was maintained at two years, while changes were very small in the ad libitum group. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 11 July 2019 Word History
Etymology
Adverb
borrowed from Medieval Latin, "in accordance with one's wishes"
Adjective
after ad libitum entry 1
First Known Use
Adverb
1606, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
1786, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
ad libitum
adverb
ad li·bi·tum (ˈ)ad-ˈlib-ət-əm
: ad lib