coryphaeus

noun

cor·​y·​phae·​us ˌkȯr-ə-ˈfē-əs How to pronounce coryphaeus (audio)
ˌkär-
plural coryphaei ˌkȯr-ə-ˈfē-ˌī How to pronounce coryphaeus (audio)
ˌkär-
1
: the leader of a party or school of thought
2
: the leader of a chorus

Word History

Etymology

Latin, leader, from Greek koryphaios, from koryphē summit

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coryphaeus was in 1655

Dictionary Entries Near coryphaeus

Cite this Entry

“Coryphaeus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coryphaeus. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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