Exornate

/ɪkˈsɔːrneɪt/ verb

Definition

To decorate, adorn, or embellish something elaborately.

Etymology

From Latin exornare, from ex- 'thoroughly' + ornare 'to adorn,' from ornus 'ash tree' (whose wood was prized). The prefix ex- intensifies the meaning of ornare.

Kelly Says

The connection between 'ornate' and ash trees seems strange until you realize ancient Latin speakers saw the ash tree's graceful branches as naturally beautiful—so its wood symbolized elegant decoration!

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