February definition

Etymology

Re-Latinized from feoverel, from feverier, from , of the month of purification, from februa, the Roman festival of purification, plural of februum; perhaps from febris, fever, from Proto-Indo-European base *dhegh-, to burn

Proper noun

The second month of the Gregorian calendar, following January and preceding March.

Usage notes

The pronunciation of the first r as /j/ has come about by dissimilation and analogy with January. Abbreviation: Feb or Feb.