opertum Latin · revision 35985

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=81–43 BC, Cicero|origins=la operiō}}

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''opertum''' ''n'' (genitive opertī); second declension^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[der|la|operiō|t=to cover, shut]]: the neuter of its perfect passive participle [[m|la|opertus|t=covered, hidden]], used as a noun.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010) De Vaan reconstructs the verb as [[itc-pro|*op-wer-i(e)-|t=to cover up]], from [[ine-pro|*h₂wer-i(e)-|t=to cover]].^(de Vaan 2008)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ It is first found in Cicero,^(Köbler 2010) who uses it of the secret shrine of the Bona Dea.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It means a hidden or secluded place: Livy uses it of rites performed in secret, and in the plural it describes the hidden depths of the earth in Virgil and Statius and the channels of rivers that run underground in Seneca.^(OLD 2012) It also means a secret or mystery: Horace says that drunkenness unlocks secrets, ''operta recludit'',^(OLD 2012) and Apuleius uses it of the secrets of a house and of sacred objects hidden in a chest.^(OLD 2012) Cicero applies it to the obscure sayings of Apollo's oracle.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of a secret shrine and of obscure oracles.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 70–19 BC – Virgil uses the plural of the hidden places of the earth.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 65–8 BC – Horace uses it of secrets unlocked by wine.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * c. 125–175 AD – Apuleius uses it of religious mysteries.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A hidden or [[m|en|secluded]] place; a secret [[m|en|shrine]].^(OLD 2012)

+ # A [[m|en|secret]], mystery.^(OLD 2012)^(Wiktionary)

+ # An obscure saying, especially of an [[m|en|oracle]].^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[opertāneus]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ The form is also the neuter of the participle ''opertus'' “covered, hidden” of [[operiō]];^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(TLL) Lewis & Short and the TLL treat the noun under that verb.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(TLL)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}