port·man·teau (pôrt-m n t , prt-, pôrt mn-t, prt-)n. pl. port·man·teaus or port·man·teaux (-t z, -tz) A large leather suitcase that opens into two hinged compartments. [French portemanteau : porte-, from porter, to carry (from Old French; see port5) + manteau, cloak (from Old French mantel, from Latin mantellum).] |
portmanteau [pɔːtˈmæntəʊ]
n pl -teaus, -teaux [-təʊz]
1. (formerly) a large travelling case made of stiff leather, esp one hinged at the back so as to open out into two compartments
2. (modifier) embodying several uses or qualities the heroine is a portmanteau figure of all the virtues
[from French: cloak carrier, from porter to carry + manteau cloak, mantle]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | portmanteau - a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings; "`smog' is a blend of `smoke' and `fog'"; "`motel' is a portmanteau word made by combining `motor' and `hotel'"; "`brunch' is a well-known portmanteau" motel - a motor hotel brunch - combination breakfast and lunch; usually served in late morning shopaholic - a compulsive shopper; "shopaholics can never resist a bargain" workaholic - person with a compulsive need to work smog, smogginess - air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog dandle - move (a baby) up and down in one's arms or on one's knees |
| 2. |  portmanteau - a large travelling bag made of stiff leathersuitcase, traveling bag, travelling bag, grip, bag - a portable rectangular container for carrying clothes; "he carried his small bag onto the plane with him" |
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