Augean

[aw-jee-uhn]

adjective

1. resembling the Augean stables in filthiness or degradation.

2. difficult and unpleasant.

   an Augean chore.

Augean

/ ɔːˈdʒiːən /

adjective

1. extremely dirty or corrupt

Word History and Origins

Origin of Augean¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin Augē(us) of Augeas ( Greek Augeí(ās) + -us adjective suffix) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of Augean¹

C16: after Augeas; see _{Augean stables}

Example Sentences

A moment in Greek mythology comes to mind: Hercules and the Augean Stables.

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She made everyone else look overdone and overdressed, washing the Augean stables of Cannes clean.

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He likened the Internet to the Augean stables in Greek mythology, which needed Hercules to divert two rivers to wash away decades of manure.

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It is also going to be an Augean task for those who encircled Trump to distance themselves and rehab their reputations.

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The fifth labor was to clean the Augean stables in a single day.

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