curio

Definition

A strange and interesting object; something that evokes curiosity.

Etymology

Clipping of curiosity, 1851. Compare cabinet of curiosities and French objet de curiosité.

Example Sentences

• "Staghorn ferns, with their antlerlike leaves, are really curios of ferndom and never fail to gain attention."
• "Video telephony is just about the only new technology from that particular movie that has appeared—and it was technically possible when the movie was showing. 2001 can be seen as a curio, but what about Star Trek?"
• "upon his arrival, Lewis discovers that his uncle’s place is no threadbare bachelor pad. It’s a creaky old Victorian mansion, full of overstuffed chairs, flocked wallpaper, stained glass, creepy carnival curios, and dozens and dozens of clocks."

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