hydra

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (Greek mythology) monster with nine heads; when struck off each head was replaced by two new ones
  2. noun a long faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near the equator stretching between Virgo and Cancer
  3. noun trouble that cannot be overcome by a single effort because of its many aspects or its persistent and pervasive quality

Etymology

After the Hydra, from Greek mythology, which grew two new heads every time one of its heads was cut off. The biology sense alludes to the budding method of asexual reproduction that the hydra practices, similar to growing new heads. The figurative sense refers to how the creature could not be killed by a swift, decisive solution (in contrast to a Gordian knot).

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