Cicerones

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An individual who acts as a guide, particularly in the context of historical sites or museums
2. someone who provides informative commentary and assistance to visitors
3. a person knowledgeable about a specific subject who leads others in learning and exploration

Etymology: The plural of "cicerone" carries the name of Marcus Tullius Cicero, the Roman orator and statesman. The singular "cicerone" entered English in the 1600s, borrowed from Italian, where a "cicerone" was a guide who showed travellers the antiquities of Rome and other cities, a role that suggested the great orator's name, since he was famed for eloquent speech. The Italian word was itself a personal name turned into a common noun: the guide was, in effect, a little Cicero explaining the sights. The word reached English from Italian, and the plural given here, "cicerones," comes directly from the Latin plural "Cicerōnēs," which is the form that would be used when speaking of several Ciceros, or of several guides named after him. English speakers have generally kept the Italian-style singular and the Latin-derived plural, so "ciceroni" is also seen, though "cicerones" is the form listed.

Synonyms: guides, conductors, escorts