Category Archives: Word of the Week

Basilisk is a noun and defined as a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance. The term basilisk derives from the Greek word basilískos meaning “little king” or “young ruler.” The Greek word basilískos can be further broken down into the words basileús and -ískos, which in English can be translated to “king” and “diminutive”,Continue reading “Word of the Week: Basilisk”

Hippogriff is a noun and defined as a legendary animal having the foreparts of a griffin and the body of a horse. The term hippogriff derives from the Ancient Greek word híppos meaning “horse” and the Latin word gryphus meaning “griffin.” The first known use of the term hippogriff was in 1612 by Ludovico AriostoContinue reading “Word of the Week: Hippogriff”

Ghoul is a noun and defined as a legendary evil being that robs graves and feeds on corpses. The term ghoul derives from the Arabic word ghūl or “to seize.” In Arabic, the word ghoul also refers to a greedy or gluttonous individual.  It wasn’t until 1786 when the term ghoul was first referenced inContinue reading “Word of the Week: Ghoul”

The word Unicorn is a noun and defined as a mythical, usually white animal generally depicted with the body and head of a horse with long flowing mane and tail and a single often spiraled horn in the middle of the forehead. First used in the 13th century, the word Unicorn derives from the LatinContinue reading “Word of the Week: Unicorn”

The word Sphinx is a noun and defined as a winged female monster in Greek mythology having a woman’s head and a lion’s body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle. The word Sphinx derives from the Greek word Σφίγξ, which is linked to the Greek word σφίγγω or sphingein defined asContinue reading “Word of the week: Sphinx”

Gorgon is a noun and defined as any of three snake-haired sisters in Greek mythology whose appearance turns the beholder to stone. The term Gorgon derives from the Ancient Greek word gorgós meaning grim or dreadful. The term gorgós comes from the same root word as the Sanskrit word garjana meaning guttural sound. Gorgons areContinue reading “Word of the Week: Gorgan”

Leprechaun is a noun and defined as a mischievous elf of Irish folklore usually believed to reveal the hiding place of treasure if caught. The term leprechaun was first used in the early 1600’s, the term derives from the Irish word lupracan or “a very small body.” The term lupracan can be broken down intoContinue reading “Word of the Week: Leprechaun”

Warlock is a noun and defined as a man practicing the black arts. First used in the 14th century, the term warlock comes from the Old English term wǣrloga meaning “one that breaks faith.” The term wǣrloga can be broken down into the words wǣr and -loga, which in modern English translates to faith andContinue reading “Word of the Week: Warlock”

The word witch is a noun and defined as a person (especially a woman) who is credited with having usually malignant supernatural powers. First used in the 16th century, the term witch derives from the Old English word wicca, which is akin to the Middle High German term wicken. The original term did not differentiateContinue reading “Word of the Week: Witch”

Mermaid is a noun and defined as a fabled marine creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. First used in the 14th century, the term mermaid derives from the Middle English terms mere and mayde, which means “sea” and “maid,” respectively.  Similar to the mythical creatureContinue reading “Word of the Week: Mermaid”