amphisbaena

[am-fuhs-bee-nuh]

noun

plural

amphisbaenae, amphisbaenas 

1. any of numerous worm lizards of the genus Amphisbaena.

2. Classical Mythology.,  a serpent having a head at each end of its body and the ability to move forward or backward.

amphisbaena

/ ˌæmfɪsˈbiːnə /

noun

1. any worm lizard of the genus Amphisbaena

2. classical myth a poisonous serpent having a head at each end and able to move forwards or backwards

Other Word Forms

• amphisbaenic adjective
• amphisbaenian adjective
• amphisbaenoid adjective
• amphisbaenous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphisbaena¹

1350–1400; Middle English amphibena < New Latin, Latin < Greek amphísbaina a serpent that moves forward or backward, equivalent to amphís both ways + baín ( ein ) to go + -a noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphisbaena¹

C16: via Latin from Greek amphisbaina, from amphis both ways + bainein to go

Example Sentences

He describes Sir Thomas Browne’s compendium of real and imaginary creatures: the chameleon, the salamander, the ostrich, the gryphon and the phoenix, the basilisk, the unicorn, and the amphisbaena, the serpent with two heads.

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It is probable, however, that the amphisbaena takes up its abode in the nest for the convenience of devouring the inhabitants, whenever unable to procure other food.

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The peculiar motion of the snake we found, scientifically called amphisbaenae, wriggling as it does backwards and forwards, has given rise to the idea of its having two heads.

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They have here also the amphisbaena, or two-headed snake, of a grey colour, mixed with blackish stripes, whose bite is reckoned to be incurable.

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