Stradivarius

Meanings

1. A stringed instrument built by members of the Stradivari family, particularly Antonio Stradivari.
2. A violin made by another manufacturer, named to capitalise on the fame of the instruments made by Antonio Stradivari.
3. A name invoked as a standard of excellence in unrelated fields.

Etymology

Named after the Stradivari family (Latin Stradivarius), an Italian surname either from the plural of Lombard stradivare (“toll-man”), or from strada averta (“open road”) in the Cremonese dialect.