maenad

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an unnaturally frenzied or distraught woman
  2. noun (Greek mythology) a woman participant in the orgiastic rites of Dionysus

Etymology

From Latin Maenad- (“frenzied female follower of Bacchus”), root of Maenās, from Ancient Greek μαινάς (mainás, “raving, frantic”), from μαίνομαι (maínomai, “to be mad, to rage”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *men- (“to mind; to think; spiritual activity”).

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