corypheus means the conductor or leader of the dramatic chorus in Ancient Greece. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “corypheus” is a great word
CORYPHEUS — [Noun] The leader of the chorus in ancient Greek drama, or, by extension, the chief figure or leading expert in any field or movement. From Latin coryphaeus, from Ancient Greek κορυφαῖος (koruphaîos, "leader"), from κορυφή (koruphḗ, "head"). Unlike "chorus" (which denotes the collective body) or "protagonist" (which signifies the central character), the corypheus is the singular guide emerging from the supporting ensemble. It is the raised hand that cues the orchestra to silence, the founding intellect whose name becomes synonymous with a school of thought, the master conductor whose slightest gesture dictates the swell of a hundred instruments—the one who sets the tempo and the tone for the many who follow.
noun
- The conductor or leader of the dramatic chorus in Ancient Greece.“In this work Homer and Virgil already appear beside Cicero and Plato as doctrinal authorities. The four corypheuses are infallible; any contradiction between them is wholly out of the question.”
- The chief or leader of a party or interest.“That noted corypheus of the Independent faction.”