Definition

Noun: 1. An unusual, rare, or intriguing object, often collected as a curiosity or for its decorative value: A "curio" is a small, interesting, or unusual item, typically an antique or artifact, that is considered worthy of collection or display due to its rarity, peculiarity, or aesthetic appeal.

Usage

The word "curio" is used to describe an object that is valued for its oddity, age, or uniqueness rather than for any practical purpose. It often refers to items found in collections, antique shops, or museums.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old shop was filled with curios from around the world, including strange shells and ancient coins.
  • She kept the small, carved wooden figure as a curio on her bookshelf.

Advanced Usage

• "Curio cabinet": A cabinet or piece of furniture with glass doors, specifically designed for displaying a collection of curios.
  • The antique curio cabinet in the hallway held her grandmother's collection of porcelain figurines.

Variants and Related Words

• Curiosity (noun): A strong desire to know or learn something; can also refer to an unusual or interesting object.
  • The strange device was more a curiosity than a useful tool.
• Curious (adjective): Eager to know or learn something; or, strange or unusual.
  • He was curious about the origin of the curio.

Synonyms

• Oddity: A strange or peculiar person or thing.
• Trinket: A small ornament or item of jewelry that is of little value.
• Bauble: A small, showy trinket or decoration.
• Collectible: An item valued and sought by collectors.

Antonyms

• Commonplace: Something ordinary and not interesting.
• Ordinary object: A normal, everyday item with no special value or interest.

Idioms and Phrases

• "A cabinet of curiosities": Historically, a room or piece of furniture used to display a collection of unusual objects, natural history specimens, and artifacts; a precursor to modern museums.
  • The explorer's study was like a cabinet of curiosities, filled with fossils and exotic artifacts.

Noun

1. something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting