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.

cornucopia

/ ˌkɔːnjʊˈkəʊpɪə /

noun

1. Greek myth the horn of Amalthea, the goat that suckled Zeus
2. a representation of such a horn in painting, sculpture, etc, overflowing with fruit, vegetables, etc; horn of plenty
3. a great abundance; overflowing supply
4. a horn-shaped container

Derived Forms

• ˌcornuˈcopian, adjective

Other Words From

• cornu·copi·an adjective
• cor·nu·co·pi·ate [kawr-n, uh, -, koh, -pee-it], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cornucopia¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Late Latin cornū cōpiae “horn of plenty,” from Latin cornū “horn” + cōpiae (genitive singular of cōpia “abundance”); horn, cornu, copious

Word History and Origins

Origin of cornucopia¹

C16: from Late Latin, from Latin cornūcōpiae horn of plenty

Example Sentences

The simple act of saying a sincere thank you, or just counting one’s blessings, can offer a cornucopia of mental and physical benefits.

From Los Angeles Times

The great Medfly cafeterias of the Central Valley and the Imperial Valley, the fecund cornucopias of the nation, lay vulnerable — but arguably out of reach, Brown calculated.

From Los Angeles Times

It was built about the same time as the Shoo-Fly, and it dispatched the area’s cornucopia of produce before it began moving an even richer payload — oil from the fields around Newhall and Santa Paula.

From Los Angeles Times

It alludes to the horn of plenty — the cornucopia and abundance.

From Los Angeles Times

It depicts a woman often referred to as the Spirit of California and the bounty she offers up: a cornucopia of working men and their promise of progress.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abundance
• affluence
• cash
• property
• prosperity
• revenue
• riches
• richness
• security
• treasure
• worth

More About Cornucopia

What is a cornucopia?

Cornucopia refers to an abundance or an overflowing supply, as in Santa Claus’ workshop has a cornucopia of toys, everything from alphabet blocks to stuffed zebras.  

A cornucopia is a horned-shaped container filled with food or a decoration resembling this. You might commonly see images of a straw cornucopia with fruits and vegetables in it around Thanksgiving.

The original cornucopia comes from Greek mythology. It was an empty goat horn that spilled out an endless supply of food and drink.

The adjective cornucopian describes something related to a cornucopia, usually a large amount of something, as in The warehouse was stocked with a cornucopian amount of food and drinks. 

Example: We were amazed by the cornucopia of foods and desserts available at the bustling marketplace. 

Where does cornucopia come from?

The first records of the word cornucopia come from around 1585. It comes from the Latin cornūcōpiae meaning “horn of plenty.” It combines the Latin cornū, meaning “horn,” and cōpia, meaning “abundance.”

The cornucopia, also known as “the horn of plenty,” comes from Greek mythology. The Greek god Zeus was nursed by a goat named Amalthaea. She presented Zeus with one of her horns, which was filled with an endless supply of fruit. Today, images of this magic horn are used to represent abundance, especially of food.

The name of the constellation Capricorn comes from the same Latin words cornucopia originates from. In some legends, Capricorn the Goat is actually the same Amalthaea that gifted Zeus the horn of plenty.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to cornucopia?

• cornucopian (adjective)

What are some synonyms for cornucopia?

• abundance
• wealth
• plentitude
• plethora
• torrent

What are some words that share a root or word element with cornucopia? 

• horn
• cornu
• copious
• Capricorn

What are some words that often get used in discussing cornucopia?

• horn
• food
• surplus
• bounty

How is cornucopia used in real life?

Cornucopia is a word used to mean “a large amount” or something that has a large supply of stuff in it.

Thank you to all the members of the Crossroads Church for providing the Sheriff's Office with so many delicious snacks in appreciation of public safety. You inspired a lot of smiles 😊.
Captain Pearce had the envious task of accepting the cornucopia of goodies!#ThankYou

— Mendocino Sheriff (@MendoSheriff) August 20, 2020

We have a cornucopia of active weather coming up over the next 4 days; from critical fire weather and record heat, to possible record cold, and yes, the s word, snow. We will have a video briefing online shortly with some details. #wywx

— NWS Riverton (@NWSRiverton) September 5, 2020

In the whole cornucopia of Youtube, nothing has ever made my son laugh as hard as cartoons from the 1940s and 50s.

— Benedict Evans (@benedictevans) May 8, 2017

 

 

Try using cornucopia!

True or False?

Cornucopia is a word that means a shortage or dwindling supply of something.