Etymology

Adjective

1. Anew, afresh, from the beginning; without consideration of previous instances, proceedings or determinations.

   De novo kidney transplantation.

   De novo prediction of three-dimensional structures for major protein families.

   He filed a motion for a de novo hearing.

Usage notes

• Because this is a Latin phrase, it is often italicized when written (i.e., de novo). In law, de novo is the most rigorous of the three standards by which common law court decisions are reviewed on appeal; the other two are clear error and abuse of discretion.

See also

Adverb

1. de novo, afresh, anew.
   • 1180-1190 — Andreas Capellanus, De amore, Book II, vi

     Sed quamvis in tanta simus audacter et improvide tempestatis unda prolapsi, de novo tamen amore cogitare non possumus vel alium liberationis modum exquirere.