English Explanatory Dictionary

Medusa

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. The youngest and only mortal of the three gorgon sisters, killed by Perseus.
noun
  1. A jellyfish; specifically, a non-polyp form of individual cnidarians, consisting of a gelatinous umbrella-shaped bell and trailing tentacles.
  2. Synonym of worm-star.

Pronunciation

/mɪˈdjuːsə/ /mɪˈdjuːzə/ mĭ'dū'sə mĭ'dū'zə /məˈduːsə/ En-us-Medusa.oga LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-medusa.wav

Word forms

Medusa Medousa medusas medusae medusæ

Etymology

From Middle English Medusa, Meduse, from Latin Medūsa, from Ancient Greek Μέδουσα (Médousa), from μέδω (médō, “rule over”).

Synonyms

non-polyp form of cnidarian worm-star

Related words

Euryale Stheno medusahead cnidarian

Derived words

medusa medusafish medusahead medusal Medusa piercing medusan medusa worm medusiform medusoid stauromedusa
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