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Amphisbaena

 - 2 dictionary results

am⋅phis⋅bae⋅na

  [am-fuhs-bee-nuh]
Use Amphisbaena in a Sentence
–noun, plural -nae  [-nee] , -nas.
1. any of numerous worm lizards of the genus Amphisbaena.
2. Classical Mythology. a serpent having a head at each end of its body and the ability to move forward or backward.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME amphibena < NL, L < Gk amphísbaina a serpent that moves forward or backward, equiv. to amphís both ways + baín(ein) to go + -a n. suffix

Related forms:
am⋅phis⋅bae⋅ni⋅an, am⋅phis⋅bae⋅nic, am⋅phis⋅bae⋅noid, am⋅phis⋅bae⋅nous, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Amphisbaena
am·phis·bae·na   (ām'fĭs-bē'nə)   
n.  A mythical serpent having a head at each end of its body.

[Middle English amphibena, from Latin amphisbaena, from Greek amphisbaina : amphis, both ways (from amphi-, amphi-) + bainein, to go; see gwā- in Indo-European roots.]
am'phis·bae'nic adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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