magnum
magnum Lexical Profile
magnum Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A bottle for wine or spirits having a capacity of 1.5 liters, equal to twice the size of a standard bottle.
"They uncorked a magnum of champagne to celebrate the successful launch of the company."
A firearm cartridge designed with a larger powder charge to produce greater velocity and impact than a standard cartridge of the same caliber, or a firearm chambered to fire such a cartridge.
"The ballistics expert examined the casing from a .357 magnum at the laboratory."
The capitate bone, which is the largest of the carpal bones in the human wrist.
"An X-ray of the patient's wrist revealed a hairline fracture across the magnum."
• adjective
Of a firearm or cartridge: having a larger powder charge and greater power than a standard cartridge of the same caliber.
"The wildlife ranger carried a heavy magnum rifle for protection in bear country."
Designating a wine bottle of twice the standard size (holding 1.5 liters), or an item of larger size or greater capacity than standard.
"The sommelier brought out a magnum bottle of vintage Bordeaux for the anniversary dinner."
• Rhymes for magnum
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 18th century directly from Latin magnum, the neuter singular form of magnus ('great' or 'large'), originally used to denote an oversized bottle of wine.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.