Cornute is a rare word in English that refers to someone who has horns or who wears a horned headdress. The word is pronounced kɔːnjuːt, with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of cornute is derived from the Latin word cornutus, which means "horned," and it is formed by adding the suffix -ute, which is used to create adjectival forms from Latin roots. Although not commonly used in everyday language, cornute can be found in literary works, particularly in the context of mythology and folklore.
Cornute is an adjective that refers to someone who has or wears horns, usually in a figurative sense. The word is derived from the Latin word "cornūtus," which means "horned."
In its literal meaning, cornute can describe animals with literal horns, such as deer or antelope. However, the term is more commonly used metaphorically to depict individuals who have been metaphorically "horns" as a symbol of their cuckoldry or unfaithfulness. In this context, cornute describes a person whose romantic partner has been unfaithful to them, making them the victim of infidelity. The term is often used in a derogatory manner to shame or ridicule individuals who have been deceived in a romantic relationship.
Cornute is also occasionally used to describe individuals who willingly engage in cuckoldry or are involved in consensual non-monogamous relationships where one or both partners have multiple sexual partners. In these cases, the term is not meant as an insult but merely as a descriptor for those who willingly and knowingly engage in such arrangements.
In summary, cornute is an adjective that can describe someone who has or wears horns either literally or metaphorically. It is often used to refer to individuals who have been deceived by their romantic partners, though it can also be used in a non-derogatory manner to describe individuals involved in consensually non-monogamous relationships.
In bot., horn-shaped.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cornute" is derived from the Latin term "cornūtus", which means "horned". The etymology of "cornūtus" is traced back to the Latin noun "cornu", meaning "horn". In the literary context, the term "cornute" refers to someone who is portrayed as cuckholded, or whose spouse is unfaithful. It is a derogatory term that implies humiliation or betrayal.