The Spanish word 'ex-alumno' (meaning 'former student') combines two Latin elements: the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out of' or 'former', and 'alumnus' meaning 'pupil' or 'student'. The Latin word 'alumnus' itself comes from 'alere' which meant 'to nourish' or 'to feed' - this connection existed because students were seen as being 'nourished' by knowledge or because they were often fed and maintained by their schools in ancient times.

In Spanish, you might recognize related words like 'alumno' (student) and 'alimento' (food), both sharing the connection to the Latin root 'alere' (to nourish). The prefix 'ex-' is also commonly used in Spanish in words like 'ex-presidente' (former president) or 'ex-esposo' (ex-husband) to indicate a former status or position.

English speakers will find familiar cognates in 'alumnus' (and its plural 'alumni') and 'ex-' words like 'ex-president' or 'ex-wife'. The word 'alimony' is also related, coming from the same Latin root 'alere' (to nourish), as it refers to financial support or nourishment provided to a former spouse.