virtu

noun

vir·​tu ˌvər-ˈtü How to pronounce virtu (audio)
ˌvir-
variants or vertu
ˌvər- How to pronounce virtu (audio)
ˌver-
1
: a love of or taste for curios or objets d'art
2
: productions of art especially of a curious or antique nature : objets d'art

Word History

Etymology

Italian virtù, literally, virtue, from Latin virtut-, virtus

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of virtu was in 1722

Dictionary Entries Near virtu

Cite this Entry

“Virtu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtu. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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