moly

¹ American  

[moh-lee] / ˈmoʊ li /

noun

Classical Mythology.

plural

molies

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

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moly ² American  

[mol-ee] / ˈmɒl i /

noun

Informal.

1. molybdenum.

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moly British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of moly¹

< Latin mōly < Greek môly

Origin of moly²

By shortening

Example Sentences

When I told him this, he went, ‘Holy moly, that’s impressive.’

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2024

“When I look at the people seeded ahead of me, I’m like ‘holy moly.’

From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2023

The best part is the way he excitedly points at everyone he's taking a photo with, a gesture that translates as: "Holy moly, look who I'm standing next to!"

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2023

Holy moly — that’s a gift for us all.

From New York Times • Nov. 15, 2022

“Holy moly, JT, your girl’s good luck after all.”

From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine