A rare, exotic, or unusual object worthy of collection because of its interesting or peculiar characteristics.
From Italian 'curioso' or Spanish 'curioso', meaning inquisitive or rare, ultimately from Latin 'curiosus' (careful, eager to know). Popular during the Renaissance cabinet of curiosities period.
The word 'curio' perfectly captures a moment in history when wealthy Europeans first started asking 'what else is out there?'—it's the spirit of curiosity made into a noun.
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