Plethora

/ˈplɛθərə/ noun

Definition

Plethora means a very large amount of something, often more than is needed or useful. It’s a slightly formal or dramatic way to say “too many” or “a huge number.”

Etymology

From Late Latin *plethōra*, from Greek *plēthōra* meaning “fullness,” especially of blood in the body. It originally was a medical term for having too much blood, then broadened to mean any kind of excess.

Kelly Says

Even though it sounds fancy, *plethora* literally started out as a word about having too much blood. So when someone says, “We have a plethora of options,” they’re using a word that once described a medical problem.

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