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medusa
1[ muh-doo-suh, -zuh, -dyoo- ]
noun
- a saucer-shaped or dome-shaped, free-swimming jellyfish or hydra.
Medusa
2[ muh-doo-suh, -zuh, -dyoo- ]
noun
- the only mortal of the three Gorgons. She was killed by Perseus, and her head was mounted upon the aegis of Zeus and Athena.
medusa
/ mĭ-do̅o̅′sə /
, Plural medusas mĭ-do̅o̅′sē
- A cnidarian in its free-swimming stage. Medusas are bell-shaped, with tentacles hanging down around a central mouth. Jellyfish are medusas, while corals and sea anemones lack a medusa stage and exist only as polyps.
- Compare polyp
Medusa
- The best known of the monster Gorgons of classical mythology ; people who looked at her would turn to stone. A hero, Perseus , was able to kill Medusa, aiming his sword by looking at her reflection in a highly polished shield.
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Derived Forms
- Meˈdusan, adjective
- meˈdusan, adjective
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Other Words From
- me·du·soid [m, uh, -, doo, -soid, -, dyoo, -], adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of medusa2
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Word History and Origins
Origin of medusa1
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Example Sentences
In Greek mythology, the Gorgon Medusa had the face of a woman and poisonous snakes for hair; her glance could turn men to stone.
Medusa-emblazoned harnesses, stylish rock concert tees, and blaring rap music.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this article confused the monster Hydra with Medusa.
Shannel (Season 1) I love that outfit—the Medusa with the snakes.
At Versace, the best elements were tie-dyed prints in blue with a signature Medusa seemingly floating amid a summer sky.
Among these are "Medusa," a bronze bust; and a "Mater Dolorosa," in terra-cotta.
A shark was also taken, eleven feet long; and many curious specimens of crustacea and medusa were obtained by the towing-net.
Whoever looked at Medusa was turned into stone, but Perseus, by the aid of enchantment, slew her.
It did not take long for the hero who had slain Medusa to kill the unlawful claimant, and reinstate his grandfather.
Some distance away lay the other two Gorgons, Medusa's sisters, but the young hero had no thought for them.
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