What does "gorgoneion" mean?
A (representation of a) gorgon's head, especially that of Medusa.
Gorgoneion
name, noun
name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A (representation of a) gorgon's head, especially that of Medusa.
- Grammar: gorgoneion is listed as name, noun.
- Usage evidence: The gorgoneion or "bodiless head of fright" antedates by many centuries the Gorgon with a woman's body.
How to use "gorgoneion"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "gorgoneion" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "gorgoneion" in a final draft.
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A (representation of a) gorgon's head, especially that of Medusa.
"The gorgoneion or "bodiless head of fright" antedates by many centuries the Gorgon with a woman's body."
- 2 A theatrical mask depicting the face of a gorgon. historical
Proper Noun
- 1 The head of the gorgon Medusa. Greek
"2000, Extract from [1840, Lewis, Donaldson (translators)], K. O. Müller, Introduction to A Scientific Study of Mythology, Burton Feldman, Robert D. Richardson (editors), The Rise of Modern Mythology, 1680-1860, Indiana University Press, page 419, On returning home, he turns Polydectes and his people to stone, and then gives the Gorgoneion to his protectress Athena, who fixes it upon her shield."
- 2 A pendant, worn by the goddess Athena, which features an image of Medusa's head. Greek
- 3 The smaller and closer-orbiting of the two moons of the main-belt asteroid 93 Minerva.
Example
"The gorgoneion or "bodiless head of fright" antedates by many centuries the Gorgon with a woman's body."
Common questions
How do you use "gorgoneion" in a sentence?
The gorgoneion or "bodiless head of fright" antedates by many centuries the Gorgon with a woman's body.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Ancient Greek γοργόνειον (gorgóneion), neuter of γοργόνειος (gorgóneios, “pertaining to a Gorgon”).
Etymology 2
From Ancient Greek γοργόνειον (gorgóneion), neuter of γοργόνειος (gorgóneios, “pertaining to a gorgon”). The moon was named after the pendant, because of its association with the Greek goddess Athena (and thus with her Roman equivalent, Minerva).