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thesaurus

[ thi-sawr-uhs ]
/ θɪˈsɔr əs /
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noun, plural the·sau·rus·es, the·sau·ri [-sawr-ahy]. /-ˈsɔr aɪ/.
a dictionary of synonyms and antonyms, such as the online Thesaurus.com.
any dictionary, encyclopedia, or other comprehensive reference book.
a storehouse, repository, or treasury.
Computers.
  1. an index to information stored in a computer, consisting of a comprehensive list of subjects concerning which information may be retrieved by using the proper key terms.
  2. a dictionary of synonyms and antonyms stored in memory for use in word processing.
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Origin of thesaurus

First recorded in 1730–40; from Latin thēsaurus, from Greek thēsaurós “treasure, treasury”
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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British Dictionary definitions for thesaurus

thesaurus
/ (θɪˈsɔːrəs) /

noun plural -ruses or -ri (-raɪ)
a book containing systematized lists of synonyms and related words
a dictionary of selected words or topics
rare a treasury

Word Origin for thesaurus

C18: from Latin, Greek: treasure
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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