curio
UK[ˈkjʊəriəʊ]US[ˈkjʊrioʊ]
n
An object that is interesting because it is rare, unusual, or connected with a past time.
Morpheme Breakdown
curio
curio
shortened form
Etymology
The word 'curio' is a 19th-century shortening of the longer noun 'curiosity'. Its ultimate source is the Latin adjective 'cūriōsus', which meant 'full of care or pains', 'inquisitive', or 'eager to know'. This Latin term derives from 'cūra', meaning 'care' or 'concern'. The semantic journey traces a path from the abstract quality of inquisitive care ('curiosity') to a concrete object that arouses such inquisitive interest, with the clipped form 'curio' emerging as a convenient label for these rare and intriguing collectibles.
Analysis
Structure: curio (shortened form)
The word 'curio' is a clipped form of 'curiosity', which itself originates from the Latin 'cūriōsus', meaning 'careful, diligent, inquisitive'. In this clipped form, 'curio' functions as a simplex noun.
Examples
The antique shop was filled with fascinating curios from around the world.
She brought back a small wooden curio as a souvenir from her travels.
The shelf in his study held a collection of seashells and other natural curios.