PLETHORA Meaning and
Definition
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Plethora is a noun that refers to an excessive or abundant amount of something. It describes a situation or condition where there is a surplus or an overabundance of a particular thing or multiple things. The word originates from the Greek term "plethōra," meaning "fullness" or "overflowing."
When used in a context of quantity, plethora indicates an overwhelming surplus, often implying an unwieldy or excessive amount that is more than necessary or desired. It conveys the idea of an extravagant or superfluous quantity that goes beyond what is required or manageable. For example, a plethora of information can imply an overwhelming or inundating amount of data or knowledge.
Plethora is commonly employed in various domains, such as describing an excess of choices or options, an oversupply of goods or merchandise, an abundance of opportunities or possibilities, or even an overpopulation of a species in biology.
This term is also used to express a medical condition, particularly in the diagnosis of abundance or excessive production of body fluids or substances, such as a plethora of blood or a plethora of hormones. In such cases, it is indicative of an abnormal or excessive level.
In summary, plethora serves as a descriptor for situations or conditions where an excessive quantity or abundance exists, surpassing what is needed or manageable. In its figurative use, it highlights an overwhelming surplus or an overwhelming number of things.
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1. General congestion; increase in the volume of the blood, causing an abnormal distention of the blood-vessels. 2. An excess of any of the body-fluids.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Redundant fulness of the bloodvessels.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PLETHORA *
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Other Common Misspellings for PLETHORA
Etymology of PLETHORA
The word "plethora" originates from Ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "plethōrē", which means "fullness" or "abundance". This term was derived from the Greek verb "plethein", which means "to be full". It was first adopted into English in the late 16th century, primarily through its use in medical and anatomical contexts to describe an excessive amount or overabundance of bodily fluids. Over time, its meaning expanded beyond the medical field to refer to an excessive quantity or a wide range of something.
Similar spelling words for PLETHORA
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