The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

cornucopia

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Dictionary definition of cornucopia

A symbol of abundance and plenty often depicted as a horn-shaped container overflowing with a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables.
"The Christmas market offered a cornucopia of seasonal tastes and treats."

Detailed meaning of cornucopia

This term has its origins in Greek mythology, where the cornucopia, or "Horn of Plenty," was a magical horn given by the god Zeus to the goat Amalthea, who nourished the infant Zeus. In a broader sense, "cornucopia" represents an ample and overflowing supply of anything valuable, not just food. It can refer to a wide variety of resources, opportunities, or positive qualities that are present in abundance. In literature and art, the cornucopia is frequently used as a symbol of prosperity, fertility, and the richness of life.

Example sentences containing cornucopia

1. The farmer's market was a cornucopia of fresh produce, with stalls overflowing with an abundance of different types of fruits and vegetables.
2. The scientist's lab was a cornucopia of innovative ideas, with researchers constantly coming up with new and groundbreaking discoveries.
3. The tourist's vacation was a cornucopia of cultural experiences, with each day bringing a new and exciting adventure.
4. The artist's studio was a cornucopia of creativity, with a wide range of materials and tools available for use.
5. The library was a cornucopia of knowledge, with shelves upon shelves of books covering a wide range of subjects.
6. The chef's kitchen was a cornucopia of ingredients, with an abundance of fresh produce and spices at their disposal.

History and etymology of cornucopia

The noun 'cornucopia' has its roots in Greek mythology. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: 'kornos,' meaning 'horn,' and 'kopos,' meaning 'plenty' or 'abundance.' In Greek mythology, the cornucopia is often associated with the horn of Amalthea, a goat who nursed and nurtured the infant Zeus. This horn was said to have the magical ability to produce an endless supply of food and riches, symbolizing abundance and plenty. The term 'cornucopia' made its way into the English language in the early 16th century and has since become a powerful symbol of prosperity and abundance. Today, the image of a horn-shaped container overflowing with a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables remains a timeless representation of wealth and plenty. The etymology of 'cornucopia' beautifully encapsulates its role as a symbol of nature's generosity and the abundance of life's blessings.

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Further usage examples of cornucopia

1. The festival was a cornucopia of music, with performers from all over the world coming together to share their talents.
2. The collector's home was a cornucopia of rare and unique items, with a vast array of treasures on display.
3. The museum was a cornucopia of art, with a wide range of styles and periods represented in the collections.
4. The bookstore was a cornucopia of literature, with an extensive selection of books covering a wide range of genres.
5. The scientist's experiment was a cornucopia of data, with a wealth of information collected from various sources.
6. The theater was a cornucopia of entertainment, with a wide range of shows and performances available to enjoy.
7. The farmer's field was a cornucopia of crops, with an abundance of fruits and vegetables ready for harvest.
8. The city was a cornucopia of cultural experiences, with a wide range of restaurants, museums, and other attractions to enjoy.
9. The encyclopedia is a cornucopia of information.
10. The conflict presented a cornucopia of dispair for the region.
11. The Thanksgiving table was a cornucopia of delicious dishes.
12. The farmer's market displayed a cornucopia of fresh produce.
13. Her garden was a colorful cornucopia of blooming flowers.
14. The festival showcased a cornucopia of cultural delights.
15. The art show was a cornucopia of creativity and talent.
16. The holiday season brings a cornucopia of joy and togetherness.
17. Nature's beauty can be seen in the cornucopia of landscapes.
18. The buffet offered a cornucopia of culinary delights.
19. The library's collection is a cornucopia of knowledge.
20. The forest is a cornucopia of diverse plant and animal species.
21. The marketplace was a cornucopia of sights, sounds, and smells.
22. The museum's exhibit was a cornucopia of historical artifacts.
23. Her mind was a cornucopia of ideas and inspiration.
24. The city's diversity is a cornucopia of cultures and traditions.