/ ˌespəˈræntəʊ; NAmE -toʊ/ noun
[ U ] an artificial language invented in 1887 as a means of international communication, based on the main European languages but with easy grammar and pronunciation
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WORD ORIGIN
from the name Dr Esperanto , used as a pen-name by the inventor of the language, Ludwik L. Zamenhof (1858–1917), Polish physician; the literal sense is one who hopes (based on Latin sperare to hope).