mer·e·trix \ˈmerə̇(ˌ).triks\noun (pluralmeretri·ces \ˌmerə̇.ˈtrī(ˌ)sēz\) Etymology: Latin, from merēre to earn, gain — more at merit : prostitute < with my lamentable visits to the Ring at Blackfriars, or to my meretrix in Holland Park — Cyril Connolly >