cornucopia
UK[ˌkɔːnjuˈkəʊpiə]US[ˌkɔːrnjuˈkoʊpiə]
n
a large amount or supply of something good
n
a curved goat's horn shown in art as full of fruit and grain, symbolizing prosperity
Morpheme Breakdown
cornu
copia
cornu
horn
copia
abundance
Etymology
the word cornucopia is a direct borrowing from late latin, formed from the latin words 'cornu' (horn) and 'copia' (abundance). it originates from the classical latin 'cornu copiae', meaning "horn of plenty", which refers to a mythical horn from the goat amalthea that provided its owner with an endless supply of food and drink. this literal object, a horn overflowing with produce, became a powerful symbol of abundance and nourishment in roman art and mythology. over time, the term evolved into a general metaphor for any seemingly inexhaustible source of good things, moving from a specific mythological artifact to an abstract concept of plentiful supply.
Analysis
Structure: cornu (horn) + copia (abundance)
cornu (latin, meaning "horn", a noun root). copia (latin, meaning "abundance, plenty", a noun root).
Examples
the festival was a cornucopia of different foods, music, and crafts from around the world.
her book is a cornucopia of useful tips for new gardeners.
the horn-shaped basket, overflowing with harvest produce, served as a traditional cornucopia centerpiece.