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Glite Dictionary
Omar Khayyam

Omar Khayyam

1 8.1
A Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer from long ago, famous for the Rubáiyát
  • proper noun
  • /ˈoʊmɑːr kaɪˈjɑːm/
: Omar Khayyam
  • The poetry of Omar Khayyam has inspired generations of readers around the world.

Examples

  • Many mathematicians still admire the contributions made by Omar Khayyam to algebra.

  • Did Omar Khayyam really write the famous 'Rubáiyát'?

  • We discussed the philosophy of Omar Khayyam in our literature class yesterday.

  • Many people admire Omar Khayyam for his contributions to poetry.

  • The poetry of Omar Khayyam has inspired generations of readers around the world.

  • Many mathematicians still admire the contributions made by Omar Khayyam to algebra.

  • Did Omar Khayyam really write the famous 'Rubáiyát'?

Surface Forms

Omar Khayyam main

Morphology

Omar + Khayyam

This is a proper name rather than a compositional phrase: knowing the token parts 'Omar' and 'Khayyam' does not allow a B1 learner to infer that it refers to a specific Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer. The referential meaning depends on world/cultural knowledge rather than the meanings of constituent words, so it is not derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Omar Khayyam was a Persian man who worked as a mathematician and astronomer but wrote short, wise poems collected in 'The Rubáiyát', which Edward FitzGerald made famous in English. That's why his name often brings to mind clever science and short, thoughtful poetry.