curiosa

[ kyoor-ee-oh-suh ]

plural noun

1. books, pamphlets, etc., dealing with unusual subjects.
2. (in selling and collecting books) books, pamphlets, etc., containing pornographic literature or art; erotica.

curiosa

/ ˌkjʊərɪˈəʊsə /

noun

1. curiosities
2. books on strange subjects, esp erotica

Word History and Origins

Origin of curiosa¹

1880–85; < New Latin: unusual things, special use of neuter plural of Latin cūriōsus careful, inquisitive. See curious

Word History and Origins

Origin of curiosa¹

New Latin: from Latin cūriōsus curious

Example Sentences

As is the case with most pop culture curiosa, “Shōgun” only deserves partial credit or blame for escalating America’s fetishizing of Japanese style and customs.

From Salon

The "curiosa felicitas" of Horace never carried him farther,—or perhaps so far.

From Project Gutenberg

The brothers were touring the Mütter Museum, a 19th-century repository of curiosa at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, garbed somewhat disappointingly in chinos and sweaters.

From New York Times

"A recipe from the curiosa section of my medical book," he said.

From Project Gutenberg

Curate.—Does he then think Horace not very choice in his words? for he seems to be severe upon the “curiosa felicitas.”

From Project Gutenberg