horcrux

== English == === Alternative forms === Horcrux === Etymology === Coined by author J. K. Rowling apparently at random; "invent[ed] […] after much transposition of syllables". Fans have pointed to the possible influence of Middle English hore (“iniquity, evil, sin”) and English crux (“the central or essential part”), among other theories. The term first appears in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005). === Noun === horcrux (plural horcruxes) In Harry Potter, an object in which a wizard has concealed a part of their soul through magic, rendering them immortal until the object is irreparably damaged or destroyed. Synonym: phylactery (general fantasy) For more quotations using this term, see Citations:horcrux. (by extension) Something in which one has invested a part of one's self; an object which allows for the preservation of memory, culture, etc. For more quotations using this term, see Citations:horcrux. ==== Translations ==== === References ===