gorgon

See also: gorĝon, Gorgón, and Gorgoń

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek Γοργώ (Gorgṓ), from γοργός (gorgós, “terrible”). Possibly from the same root as the Sanskrit word "garğ" which is defined as a guttural sound, similar to the growling of a beast, thus possibly originating as an onomatopoeia.[1]

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈɡɔːrɡən/
  • Hyphenation: gor‧gon

Noun

gorgon (plural gorgons)

  1. (Greek mythology) A vicious female monster from Greek mythology with sharp fangs and hair of living, venomous snakes. One of the three sisters: Medusa, Stheno and Euryale
  2. An intimidating, ugly, or disgusting woman; anything hideous or horrid.
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Milton to this entry?)
    • 2005 July 1, Washington Post:
      Swilling martinis and spewing venom, Phyllis is a particularly unappetizing gorgon, telling us at one point that an acquaintance of hers is aroused by the Heimlich maneuver.

Translations

Adjective

gorgon (not comparable)

  1. Like a gorgon; very ugly or terrifying.

See also

References
  1. Feldman, Thalia. "Gorgo and the Origins of Fear." Arion 4.3 (1965): 484–494. Print.
  • Chambers's Etymological Dictionary, 1896, p. 208
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