kappa
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əBased on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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kappa (ˈkæpə) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| the tenth letter in the Greek alphabet (Κ, κ), a consonant, transliterated as c or k | |
| [Greek, of Semitic origin] | |
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| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
kappa kap·pa (kāp'ə)
n.
Symbol κ The tenth letter of the greek alphabet. adj.
Relating to or characterizing a polypeptide chain that is one of two types of light chains present in immunoglobins.
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kappa
in Japanese folklore, a type of vampirelike lecherous creature that is more intelligent than the devilish oni (q.v.) and less malevolent toward men. Kappa are credited with having taught the art of bonesetting to humans. They are depicted in legend and art as being the size of a 10-year-old child, yellow-green in colour, and resembling monkeys, but with fish scales or tortoise shells instead of skin. On the top of their head they have hollow indentations that are filled with water; if the water is spilled, they are said to lose their supernatural powers. Legends of encounters with kappa invariably include a reference to their capacity for keeping a promise, extracted from them after forcing their heads down or by tricking them into bowing low, thus spilling out the water. They have a taste for cucumbers, and a standard way of placating kappa is to throw a cucumber into the water where they live
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