Definition

Proper noun 1. A primordial goddess in Mesopotamian mythology: In ancient Akkadian (Babylonian) mythology, Tiamat is the personification of the primeval saltwater ocean, a chaotic and monstrous being. She is the mother of the first generation of gods and the consort of the freshwater god Apsu.

Usage

• Tiamat is a central figure in the Babylonian creation epic, the .
• The name "Tiamat" is used specifically in the context of ancient Mesopotamian religion and mythology.

Examples

• In the , Tiamat wages war against the younger gods.
• The god Marduk defeated Tiamat and used her body to create the heavens and the earth.
• Tiamat is often depicted as a dragon or a sea serpent in ancient texts and modern interpretations.

Advanced Usage

• Symbolic Usage: In modern contexts, "Tiamat" is sometimes used symbolically to represent primordial chaos, the untamed sea, or a powerful, destructive feminine force.
• In Popular Culture: The name has been adopted in various fantasy works (e.g., role-playing games, literature) as the name for a powerful dragon or a goddess of chaos.

Variants and Related Words

• There are no common English variants of the proper noun "Tiamat."
• Related Mythological Figures: Apsu (consort), Marduk (slayer), Lahmu and Lahamu (offspring).

Synonyms

• Primordial abyss
• Chaos (in the specific mythological context)
• Saltwater sea (as a personified entity)

Notes

• "Tiamat" is a proper noun and is always capitalized.
• Its meaning is almost exclusively tied to its specific mythological origin. It does not have standard phrasal verbs or idioms associated with it in general English usage.

Noun

1. (Akkadian) mother of the gods and consort of Apsu