magnum opus
English
Etymology
From Latin magnum opus (“great work”).[1]
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "Latin" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˌmaŋnũː ˈopus/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. enPR: măg'nəm ōʹpəs, IPA(key): /ˌmæɡnəm ˈəʊpəs/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. enPR: măg'nəm ōʹpəs, IPA(key): /ˌmæɡnəm ˈoʊpəs/
Noun
Template:examples-right magnum opus (plural magna opera or magnum opuses or (nonstandard) magnum opi)
- A great or important work of literature, music or art, a masterpiece.
- The best, most popular, or most renowned achievement of an author or artist, representing their major life effort.
- The 1949 novel Nineteen Eighty-Four is widely considered to be George Orwell's magnum opus.
- (alchemy) The process of working with the prima materia to create the philosopher's stone.
Usage notes
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.
Synonyms
Translations
masterpiece
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the greatest work of an author or artist
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References
- ^ The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [Fourth Edition]
Further reading
magnum opus on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
