How Do You Spell AMPHISBAENA?

Pronunciation: [ˈamfɪsbˌiːnə] (IPA)

The word "amphisbaena" is a unique and challenging word to spell. It is pronounced /æmˌfɪsˈbeɪnə/ and originates from Greek mythology. Amphisbaena is a creature with a head at each end, and many liken it to a serpent. It is commonly used nowadays to refer to worm lizards, a group of legless reptiles found in America and Africa. The spelling of this word requires careful attention, especially when typing or writing it, as it is not commonly used in everyday language.

AMPHISBAENA Meaning and Definition

1. Amphisbaena refers to a legendary creature that features prominently in Greek and Roman mythology. This serpent-like creature is typically depicted having two heads, one at either end of its elongated body. The name "amphisbaena" is derived from the Greek words "amphis," meaning "both," and "bainein," meaning "to go," emphasizing its dualistic nature.

   In mythology, the amphisbaena was believed to inhabit deserted or desolate places, such as deserts or caves, where it would guard hidden treasures or act as a protector of the land. Its double-headed configuration allowed it to move swiftly in either direction, giving it a sense of heightened agility. Legend has it that cutting or severing one of its heads would result in the amphisbaena's immediate demise.

   The amphisbaena has captivated imaginations over the centuries and has been a prominent figure in various artistic expressions, such as literature, sculptures, and paintings. It serves as a symbol of duality, representing opposing forces or choices, and is often associated with the concept of balance.

   In a broader context, the term "amphisbaena" is occasionally used metaphorically to describe situations or individuals with contradictory or conflicting qualities, characteristics, or opinions. It implies a sense of ambiguity or being torn between two opposing options, similar to being pulled in different directions by the creature's dual heads.

2. A kind of serpent, supposed, from the thickness of the tail, to have two heads, and to be able in consequence to move forwards with either.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for AMPHISBAENA

• zmphisbaena
• smphisbaena
• wmphisbaena
• qmphisbaena
• anphisbaena
• akphisbaena
• ajphisbaena
• amohisbaena
• amlhisbaena
• am-hisbaena
• am0hisbaena
• ampgisbaena
• ampbisbaena
• ampnisbaena
• ampjisbaena
• ampuisbaena
• ampyisbaena
• amphusbaena
• amphjsbaena
• amphiabaena

Etymology of AMPHISBAENA

The word "amphisbaena" originated from Ancient Greek. It is composed of two Greek words: "amphis" meaning "both ways" or "on both sides", and "bainein" meaning "to go" or "to walk". In Greek mythology and folklore, an "amphisbaena" refers to a mythical creature that has a head on both ends of its body, allowing it to move in either direction. The term has been adopted into modern zoology to describe a genus of legless lizards.

Similar spelling words for AMPHISBAENA

• amphioxus,
• amphistylar,
• amphisbaenidae,
• amphicarpaea,
• amphisbaenia,
• amavisca,
• amphioxidae,
• amphicarpa.

Plural form of AMPHISBAENA is AMPHISBAENAE OR AMPHISBAENAS