20 February 2013
Cornucopia
[kawr-nuh-koh-pee-uh, -nyuh-]
noun
1. Classical Mythology . a horn containing food, drink, etc., in endless supply, said to have been a horn of the goat Amalthaea.
2. a representation of this horn, used as a symbol of abundance.
3. an abundant, overflowing supply.
4. a horn-shaped or conical receptacle or ornament.
Origin:
1585–95; < Late Latin, equivalent to Latin cornū horn (see cornu) + cōpiae of plenty (genitive stem of cōpia ); see copious
Related forms
cor·nu·co·pi·an, adjective
cor·nu·co·pi·ate [kawr-nuh-koh-pee-it] Show IPA , adjective
Example:
‘He’s a cornucopia of social awkwardness’.
– Sheldon Cooper, Big Bang Theory, Series 4, Episode 5.
Today’s aphorism
‘Life’s a playground. Have fun!’
– Tyler Duran
On this day
20 February 1970 – birthday of Kurt Cobain. Lead singer, guitarist and lyricist for Nirvana.
20 February 2005 – death of Hunter S. Thompson, American writer and gonzo journalist.