cornute: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicLiterary / Archaic / Technical (Botany/Zoology)
Quick answer
What does “cornute” mean?
Having horns or horn-like projections.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having horns or horn-like projections; to cuckold (make a husband into a cuckold).
As an adjective: horn-shaped or horned. As a verb: to make a cuckold of; to deceive a spouse through infidelity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern usage differences. Both treat it as an archaic or technical term.
Connotations
Equally archaic and literary in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British texts due to the preservation of older literary vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “cornute” in a Sentence
[Subject] cornutes [Object (husband)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cornute” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- In the Jacobean drama, the villain plots to cornute the old Duke.
American English
- The historical novel depicted how the sailor was cornuted by his wife during his long voyages.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely in historical literary analysis or specific biological descriptions (e.g., 'a cornute seed capsule').
Everyday
Never used in modern conversation.
Technical
Possible in precise biological or paleontological terminology denoting horn-like structures.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cornute”
- Using it in modern speech expecting to be understood.
- Confusing its adjective and verb meanings.
- Misspelling as 'cornet'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or highly technical.
Standard dictionaries list it only as an adjective and a verb. The noun form for the action is 'cornutation', which is even rarer.
'Cuckold' is primarily a noun for the betrayed husband. 'Cornute' is a verb meaning 'to make someone a cuckold' or an adjective meaning 'horned'.
It is highly unlikely. Only individuals with a deep knowledge of older English literature or very specific scientific jargon would recognize it.
Having horns or horn-like projections.
Cornute is usually literary / archaic / technical (botany/zoology) in register.
Cornute: in British English it is pronounced /kɔːˈnjuːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɔːrˈnuːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common modern idioms. The verb *to cornute* is itself almost idiomatic in its archaic specificity.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CORNucopia shaped like a horn (cornute = horned). For the verb, think: 'The courtier used his new position to CORrupt and corNUTE the nobleman.'
Conceptual Metaphor
BETRAYAL IS BEING HORNED (from the old symbol of the cuckold's horns).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cornute' most likely to be used correctly today?