minotaur

/'mainətɔ:/

Thân thiện

The minotaur waits in the center of the labyrinth.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mythical creature from Greek mythology: A "minotaur" is specifically a monster with the head of a bull and the body of a human.
   • The Minotaur (proper noun): Often capitalized, it refers to the specific creature imprisoned in the Labyrinth on Crete, which was slain by the hero Theseus.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The legend of the Minotaur is a famous story from Greek mythology.
  • Theseus entered the Labyrinth to confront the Minotaur.

Advanced Usage

• "the Minotaur": When capitalized and preceded by "the," it almost always refers to the specific, singular monster of the Cretan myth.
  • The fate of the Athenian youths was to be sacrificed to the Minotaur.

Variants and Related Words

• Minotaur-like (adj): Resembling or characteristic of a minotaur.
  • The artist created a minotaur-like statue for the exhibition.

Synonyms

• Monster: A general term for a frightening imaginary creature.
• Hybrid creature: A being composed of parts from different animals or species.

Related Phrases

• "In the labyrinth of the Minotaur": Used metaphorically to describe being trapped in a complex, confusing, or dangerous situation.
  • Navigating the government bureaucracy felt like being in the labyrinth of the Minotaur.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) a mythical monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man; slain by Theseus

Từ đồng nghĩa

• minotaur