amphisbaena

[ am-fuhs-bee-nuh ]

noun

, plural am·phis·bae·nae [am-f, uh, s-, bee, -nee], am·phis·bae·nas.

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

Derived Forms

• ˌamphisˈbaenic, adjective

Other Words From

• amphis·baeni·an amphis·baenic amphis·baenoid amphis·baenous 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

The amphisbaena, supposed to have a head at each end and move either way.

From Project Gutenberg