Cornutus

Cornutus may refer to several things. In biology, Cornutus is a genus of marine snails, commonly known as slipper limpets, belonging to the family Calyptraeidae. These gastropods are characterized by their conical or helmet-shaped shells. They are filter feeders and can often be found attached to hard surfaces, sometimes in dense aggregations.

In Roman mythology and literature, Cornutus was a cognomen, a nickname or an epithet. The most notable figure bearing this name was Lucius Junius Brutus, an early Roman hero and the founder of the Roman Republic. He was given the cognomen "Cornutus," meaning "horned" or "having horns," possibly due to a physical characteristic or a symbolic association. This epithet is mentioned in historical accounts of Roman history.

Additionally, the term "cornutus" in a broader sense, particularly in a linguistic or cultural context, can refer to someone who is cuckolded, meaning their spouse or partner has been unfaithful. This usage is derived from the Latin word "cornu," meaning horn, and is often associated with the imagery of horns being metaphorically placed on someone's head. This connotation is prevalent in various literary and dramatic works across different cultures.