Emeritus (pronounced /ɨˈmɛrɨtəs/) (plural Emeriti, abbreviation emer.) is an adjective that is used in the title of a retired professor, bishop, or other professional. Emerita (/ɨˈmɛrɨtə/) is often used as the female equivalent, although avoided by purists, since phrases such as professor emerita are ungrammatical in Latin. The term is used when a person of importance in a given profession retires, so that his former rank can still be used in his title. This is particularly useful when establishing the authority of a person who might comment, lecture or write on a particular subject. The word is typically used as a postpositional adjective but can also be used as a preposition adjective. It is frequently capitalized when it forms part of a title. The word originated in the mid-18th century