What is the proper name for “AM” and “PM”?

Question

I know that AM/PM is for ante/post meridiem, but what is it actually called? Meridian indicator? 12 hour indicator? Something way more clever?

rubergly · Accepted Answer · 2013-04-02 08:25:09Z

up vote 11 down vote accepted

Answer

Oddly enough, this question seems to already have been answered at StackOverflow. The distinction is called the period.

As for the actual meanings of AM/PM, they come from the Latin "ante meridiem" ("before noon") and "post meridiem" ("after noon").

edited Apr 2 at 8:25

answered Jul 22 '11 at 22:41

rubergly
49638

2

ha! wtf... why would that be asked on SO? anyways, thanks! – Jason Jul 22 '11 at 22:44

any comment on 'ante-meridian'? – Mitch Apr 1 at 4:20