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virtu

noun
vir·​tu | \ ˌvər-ˈtü How to pronounce virtu (audio) , ˌvir-\
variants: or \ ˌvər-​ How to pronounce vertu (audio) , ˌver-​ \

Definition of virtu

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

Examples of virtu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Machievelli referred this struggle as virtu (the action) and fortuna (luck or fortune). — refinery29.com, "Westworld Season 2, Episode 3 Recap: Machiavellian Condundrum," 7 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'virtu.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of virtu

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for virtu

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

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Time Traveler for virtu

The first known use of virtu was in 1722

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More from Merriam-Webster on virtu

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with virtu

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virtu

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