from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
curriculum vitae \cur*ric"u*lum vi"tae\
(k[u^]r*r[i^]k"[=u]*l[u^]m v[imac]"t[=e],
k[u^]r*r[i^]k"[=u]*l[u^]m v[imac]"t[imac]), n.; pl.
{curricula vitae} (-l[.a]). [L. the course of one's life or
career. See {Curriculum}.]
A brief biographical summary of the main points of a person's
life, especially one's education and training, the jobs one
has held, and other notable activities one has participated
in, as well as other notable points such as honors one has
received. It is prepared and used commonly by a person who is
submitting an application for a job or position of
responsibility. It is also called a {vita} or {vitae}, and is
abbreviated CV.
[PJC]