Unicorn
/ˈjuː.nɪ.kɔːrn/noun
A mythical creature typically depicted as a horse with a single spiral horn on its forehead.
Did you know?In ancient lore, the unicorn was believed to possess healing powers and could only be tamed by a virgin, symbolizing purity and magic.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁n̥éḱwts
“one horned creature or beast with a single projection.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μονοκέρως (monokerōs)
“one-horned, from 'mono' meaning one and 'keras' meaning horn.”
Latin
Latin
unicornis
“one-horned, a direct borrowing from Greek.”
Old French
Old French
unicorne
“the mythical horse-like creature with a single horn.”
Middle English
Middle English
unicorne
“the legendary horse-like beast with a single horn, symbolizing purity and grace.”
Modern English
English
unicorn
“the same mythical creature, often associated with magic and purity.”