magnum opus
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Etymology
Pronunciation
Noun
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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
- “magnum opus”, in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition, Boston, Mass.: Houghton Mifflin, 2000, →ISBN.
Further reading
magnum opus on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
Anagrams
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