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Curios Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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curios

[ˈkjʊərɪəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

noun

Curios is a plural form of the word 'curio', which refers to a rare, unusual, or intriguing object that is considered to be of interest or value to collectors. Curios are often displayed in a cabinet or showcase to showcase their uniqueness.

Synonyms

artifact, curiosity, oddity, relic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curios

Typically small, unique items collected for their rarity or unusual nature, often displayed in a cabinet or shelf.

  • She had a cabinet filled with various curios collected during her travels
oddity

Something that is strange, unusual, or abnormal. Usually used to describe something that stands out for being different in a peculiar way.

  • His habit of collecting insects was considered an oddity by his friends
  • The town was known for its many oddities, including a two-headed calf
curiosity

A strong desire to know or learn something. Can also refer to an unusual or interesting object.

  • His curiosity about space led him to study astrophysics
  • The shop sold many curiosities from different parts of the world
artifact

An object made by humans, often of historical or cultural interest, typically found in archaeological contexts.

  • The museum's exhibit featured ancient artifacts from the Roman Empire
relic

A historical object surviving from an earlier time, often having sentimental, religious, or cultural value.

  • The church displayed relics of saints
  • The old ruins were considered relics of the ancient civilization

Examples of usage

  • The museum had a collection of curios from around the world.
  • She enjoyed browsing through the antique store and admiring all the curios on display.
  • Collectors often travel far and wide to find unique curios to add to their collections.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Curios have been collected since the Renaissance, where they were treasured as oddities and artifacts from different cultures.
  • In the 19th century, curiosity cabinets, or 'cabinets of curiosities', became fashionable among the wealthy, showcasing rare and exotic items.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, curios often symbolize exploration and discovery, representing a connection to different histories and peoples.
  • Many museums worldwide feature curios in their exhibits to tell stories about global cultures, encouraging curiosity and learning.

Science

  • Curios can include natural objects like fossils or unique minerals, often used in educational settings to spark interest in geology and paleontology.
  • Scientific collections of curios support research and understanding of biodiversity, as they house rare specimens that scientists study.

Art

  • Artists often use curios as inspiration, integrating unusual objects into their work to convey deeper meanings or evoke emotions.
  • In contemporary art, displaying curios allows for conversations about cultural appropriation and the value of everyday items.

Origin of 'curios'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'curios' comes from the Latin word 'curiosus', which means 'careful' or 'inquisitive'.
  • In the early 18th century, 'curios' referred specifically to items that sparked curiosity, often displayed in cabinets of wonder.

The word 'curios' is derived from the singular form 'curio', which originated from the Latin word 'curiosus', meaning 'careful, inquisitive'. The term 'curio' was first used in the 19th century to describe rare or interesting objects that were collected and displayed. Over time, 'curios' became a popular term to refer to a variety of unique and intriguing items, leading to its continued use in the present day.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,675, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.