Definition

1. Noun:
   • A valuable collection of items that is found or discovered: Refers to a collection of precious, useful, or delightful things that has been uncovered.
   • A source of abundant wealth or valuable information: Used metaphorically to describe something that contains a rich supply of a particular resource, such as ideas or knowledge.
   • Treasure of unknown ownership found hidden (especially in the ground): In legal and historical contexts, it refers to valuables like coins or gold, whose original owner is unknown, that are discovered concealed, often buried.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The library's archive is a treasure trove of historical documents.
  • Archaeologists unearthed a treasure trove of Roman coins.
  • His memoir proved to be a treasure trove of insider information about the industry.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Term: In common law, "treasure trove" historically refers to gold or silver, in coin or bullion form, found hidden where the owner is unknown. Laws regarding the ownership of such finds vary by country.
  • The discovered hoard was declared treasure trove and became the property of the Crown.

Variants and Related Words

• Trove (n): Often used alone to mean a store of valuable or delightful things. This is a shortened, more general form of "treasure trove."
  • The website is a trove of useful tips for gardeners.

Synonyms

• Cache: A collection of items stored in a hidden place.
• Hoard: A stock or store of money or valued objects, often hidden away.
• Windfall: An unexpected gain or piece of good fortune, often financial.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A gold mine: Similar metaphorical use for an abundant source of something valuable.
  • That old bookstore is a gold mine for first editions.
• A treasure house: A place where treasures are kept or found; a rich source.
  • The museum is a treasure house of ancient art.

Noun

1. any collection of valuables that is discovered
   • her book was a treasure trove of new ideas
   • mother's attic was a treasure trove when we were looking for antiques
2. treasure of unknown ownership found hidden (usually in the earth)