magnum opus

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Synonyms 1.3.3 Translations 1.4 References

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From Latin magnum opus (“‘great work’”).^[1]

[edit] Pronunciation

• (Latin) IPA: /ˌmaŋnũː ˈopus/, SAMPA: /%maNnu~: "opus/
• (RP) enPR: măg'nəm ōʹpəs, IPA: /ˌmægnəm ˈəʊpəs/, SAMPA: /%m{gn@m "@Up@s/
• (US) enPR: măg'nəm ōʹpəs, IPA: /ˌmægnəm ˈɔʊpəs/, SAMPA: /%m{gn@m "OUp@s/

[edit] Noun

magnum opus (plural magna opera or magnum opuses or magnum opi)

1. A great work of literature or art, a masterpiece.
2. The best, most popular, or most renowned achievement of an author or artist, representing his major life effort.

[edit] Usage notes

Examples of magna opera: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes; In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust; Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci; and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles.

The Latin plural magna opera may be preferred in some academic and literary contexts, in popular usage the English-style plural magnum opuses is more common. The plural magnum opi, although rare and likely regarded as incorrect in formal works, does see some use.

[edit] Synonyms

• masterpiece
• seminal work

[edit] Translations

[edit] References

• Notes:

1. ^ The American Heritage^® Dictionary of the English Language [Fourth Edition]