moly

¹

[ moh-lee ]

noun

, Classical Mythology.

, plural mo·lies.

1. an herb given to Odysseus by Hermes to counteract the spells of Circe.

moly

²

[ mol-ee ]

noun

, Informal.

1. molybdenum.

moly

/ ˈməʊlɪ /

noun

1. Greek myth a magic herb given by Hermes to Odysseus to nullify the spells of Circe
2. a liliaceous plant, Allium moly, that is native to S Europe and has yellow flowers in a dense cluster

Word History and Origins

Origin of moly¹

< Latin mōly < Greek môly

Origin of moly²

By shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of moly¹

C16: from Latin mōly, from Greek mōlu

Example Sentences

Entertainment blog Holy Moly is among the most effusive with praise.

From The Daily Beast

When Orlean recently tweeted the question, “Is it ‘holy moly’ or ‘holey moley’ or ‘holy moley’?”

From The Daily Beast

Doubtless the dispute is still being carried on between these chieftains from their beds of asphodel and moly in Elysium.

From Project Gutenberg

"Moly" (mo'ly), by Edith M. Thomas (1850-), in the best possible presentation of the value of integrity.

From Project Gutenberg

Ulysses himself then goes, having obtained the plant moly; he subdues, enjoys; he releases his companions.

From Project Gutenberg

Moly seems to have been Allium moly, one of the onion or garlic family.

From Project Gutenberg

Ulysses resisted the enchantment by means of the herb moly, given him by Mercury.

From Project Gutenberg