Etymology Map
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Magnum

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a wine bottle holding twice the standard amount

Where does the word "magnum" come from? It comes from Latin magnum, adopted directly into English (1780s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
magnum
Latin · ancient
"great"
neuter of 'magnus', great, as in 'magnitude' and 'magnificent'
2
Stage 2 of 2
magnum
English · 1780s
"large wine bottle"
first a two-quart bottle of wine or spirits; the .357 Magnum revolver cartridge of 1935 borrowed the name
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Read the full story

Magnum’s story begins in Latin: magnum meant “great.” Neuter of 'magnus', great, as in 'magnitude' and 'magnificent'. It reached English by 1780s as magnum. First a two-quart bottle of wine or spirits; the .357 Magnum revolver cartridge of 1935 borrowed the name. Today, magnum means a wine bottle holding twice the standard amount.