magnum opus
/ˈmaɡnəm ˈəʊpəs/
noun
Origin
Latin
magnus opus — great work
Overview
Meaning Now
- A large and important work of art, music, or literature; especially one regarded as the most significant or best work of an artist, writer, or composer.
Literal older meaning
great work
Language path
Latin → Latin → English
Earliest form
magnum opus
Earliest period
18th century
Journey
In alchemy, the 'magnum opus' referred specifically to the Great Work of transmutation required to create the philosopher's stone. By the 18th century, the term shifted in general English usage to denote an artist's or scholar's most significant achievement.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
magnum opus
“great work”
- Late Middle Ages
magnum opus
“the Great Work (alchemical process)”
Used in alchemy to describe the process of creating the philosopher's stone.
- 18th century English
magnum opus
“masterpiece”
Adopted as a scholarly loan phrase.
Connections
Word parts
magnum
root
great (neuter of magnus)
opus
root
work
Related across languages
French
great work
Explore next
Related to magnum opus
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.