Definition: A.D. is a Latin abbreviation for Anno Domini, in the year of our Lord. A.D. is used with dates in the current era. The counterpart to Anno Domini is B.C. for "Before Christ." Because of A.D.'s obvious Christian overtones, many prefer to use more secular abbreviations like C.E. for "Common Era." Many lay publications, like this one, still use A.D. Although Latin is not a word order language, it is conventional in English writing for A.D. to precede the year (A.D. 2004).
Also Known As: Anno Domini
Alternate Spellings: AD
