miscellany
UK: /mɪˈsel.ə.ni/ | US: /ˈmɪs.əˌleɪ.ni/
n. a collection or mixture of various items, especially literary or artistic works
n. (archaic) a mixture or medley of different things
miscellany = miscell<mixed> + any<noun suffix>
- miscell (from Latin miscellus, meaning "mixed," derived from miscere, "to mix")
- any (a noun-forming suffix, often indicating a collective or abstract concept)
Etymology Origin:
The word "miscellany" traces back to Latin miscellus (mixed), which itself comes from miscere (to mix). The suffix "-any" was adopted into English via Old French -anie, used to form nouns denoting collections or categories. Over time, "miscellany" evolved to describe a diverse assortment, particularly in literary contexts (e.g., anthologies of varied writings). The word’s structure reflects its core idea of blending disparate elements into one entity.
The book is a miscellany of essays, poems, and short stories.
Her desk drawer held a miscellany of pens, paperclips, and old receipts.
The museum’s exhibit featured a miscellany of artifacts from different eras.
He published a literary miscellany to showcase emerging writers.
The box was filled with a miscellany of buttons collected over the years.