Gordian

[gawr-dee-uhn]

Gordian Knot www.yahoo.com Search for Gordian Knot Find out more on Yahoo!

Gordian Definition Dictionary.com Find Definitions For Any Word.Get Your Free Dictionary.com Toolbar.

adjective

pertaining to Gordius, ancient king of Phrygia, who tied a knot (the Gordian knot) that, according to prophecy, was to be undone only by the person who was to rule Asia, and that was cut, rather than untied, by Alexander the Great.

resembling the Gordian knot in intricacy.

Idiom

cut the Gordian knot, to act quickly and decisively in a difficult situation; solve a problem boldly.

:10

:09

:08

:07

:06

:05

:04

:03

:02

:01

Gordian is always a great word to know.

So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:

an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.

a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.

LEARN MORE UNUSUAL WORDS WITH WORD DYNAMO...

Origin:
1555–65; < Latin Gordi(us) (< Greek Górdios Gordius) + -an

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source

Link To Gordian

WordNet

gordian
adjective
extremely intricate; usually in phrase 'Gordian knot'

Word Dynamo By Dictionary.com

Searching for Gordian?
How many words do you actually know?

FIND OUT

Related Words

gordian worm

horsehair worm

Matching Quote

"Prometheus is action. Hamlet is hesitation. In Prometheus the obstacle is exterior; in Hamlet it is interior. In Prometheus the will is securely nailed down by nails of brass and cannot get loose; besides, it has by its side two watchers—Force and Power. In Hamlet the will is more tied down yet; it is bound by previous meditation—the endless chain of the undecided. Try to get out of yourself if you can! What a Gordian knot is our reverie. Slavery from within, that is slavery indeed. Scale this enclosure, "to dream!" escape, if you can, from this prison, "to love!" The only dungeon is that which walls conscience in. Prometheus, in order to be free, has but a bronze collar to break and a god to conquer; Hamlet must break and conquer himself. Prometheus can raise himself upright, if he only lifts a mountain; to raise himself up, Hamlet must lift his own thoughts. If Prometheus plucks the vulture from his breast, all is said; Hamlet must tear Hamlet from his breast. Prometheus and Hamlet are two naked livers; from one runs blood, from the other doubt."

-Victor Hugo

Gordian

Gor·di·an