capharnaum

[ kuh-fahr-nee-uhm ]

noun

1. a place or environment in complete disorder, especially a room holding miscellaneous objects or junk:

   She didn’t relish the thought of picking through that capharnaum of rusty tools and broken furniture in the old workshop.

Word History and Origins

Origin of capharnaum¹

First recorded in 1860–65; from French, alternative spelling of Capernaum ( def ), where, according to the Bible, large crowds gathered to hear Jesus preach

Example Sentences

As great things as we have heard done in Capharnaum, do also here in thy own country.

From Project Gutenberg

They adapted it to every taste and circumstance, but modern science has come to put order into this Capharnaum.

From Project Gutenberg

The warehouse of my bric--brac dealer was a veritable Capharnaum.

From Project Gutenberg

There's only one woman—but I won't mention her in this Capharnaum!

From Project Gutenberg

And when he had finished all his words in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capharnaum.

From Project Gutenberg