The Spanish word 'cornamenta', meaning 'set of horns' or 'antlers', comes from combining two Latin elements: 'cornu' meaning 'horn' and the instrumental suffix '-menta'. This suffix was used in Latin to form collective nouns or to indicate instruments and tools. When these elements merged, they created a word specifically referring to a complete set of horns or antlers, as found on deer, elk, or similar animals.

Several simpler Spanish words share the same Latin root 'cornu': 'cuerno' (horn), which is the most direct descendant, and 'corneta' (trumpet, bugle), which refers to a horn-shaped musical instrument. The word 'córnea' (cornea) also comes from the same root, referring to the horn-like transparent layer of the eye.

English speakers can find familiar connections in words like 'horn' itself, which shares an ancient root with Latin 'cornu'. Other related English words include 'cornea', 'cornet' (the musical instrument), and 'unicorn' (literally 'one-horned'). The 'corn-' element in all these words preserves the ancient meaning of 'horn'.