# Abbasside

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abbasside
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the dynasty member

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a person belonging to the family that ruled the Islamic world from Baghdad starting in the 8th century.

For teachers: a member of the dynasty that overthrew the Umayyads and established a caliphate centered in Baghdad. This spelling is an archaic variant of 'Abbasid'.

- The Abbasside rulers were known for supporting science and art in Baghdad.
- Historians often discuss the transition of power from the Umayyads to the Abbasside caliphs as a turning point in Islamic administrative history.

Usage: Usually capitalized as it refers to a specific historical dynasty.

Teaching tip: This spelling with double 's' and a trailing 'e' is rare in modern academic writing; students should use 'Abbasid' instead.

### 2. relating to the dynasty

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic

relating to the family or the time when they ruled.

For teachers: pertaining to the Abbasid dynasty or the period of their caliphate. This spelling is an archaic variant of 'Abbasid'.

- The museum has a beautiful collection of Abbasside coins.
- The Abbasside architecture of the period reflects a synthesis of Persian and Mesopotamian stylistic influences.

Usage: Attributive use only; typically placed before the noun it modifies.

Teaching tip: Modern texts almost exclusively use 'Abbasid' for the adjectival form.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.