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Webster 1913 Edition


Gorgon

Gor′gon

(gôr′gŏn)
,
Noun.
[L.
Gorgo
,
-onis
, Gr.
Γοργώ
, fr.
γοργόσ
terrible.]
1.
(Gr. Myth.)
One of three fabled sisters, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, with snaky hair and of terrific aspect, the sight of whom turned the beholder to stone. The name is particularly given to Medusa.
2.
Anything very ugly or horrid.
Milton.
3.
(Zool.)
The brindled gnu. See
Gnu
.

Gor′gon

,
Adj.
Like a Gorgon; very ugly or terrific;
as, a
Gorgon
face
.
Dryden.

Webster 1828 Edition


Gorgon

GORG'ON

,
Noun.
[Gr.] A fabled monster of terrific aspect, the sight of which turned the beholder to stone. The poets represent the Gorgons as three sisters, Stheno, Euryale and Medusa; but authors are not agreed in the description of them.
1.
Any thing very ugly or horrid.

GORG'ON

,
Adj.
Like a gorgon; very ugly or terrific; as a gorgon face.

Definition 2024


gorgon

gorgon

See also: gorĝon and Gorgón

English

Adjective

gorgon (comparative more gorgon, superlative most gorgon)

  1. Like a gorgon; very ugly or terrifying.

Noun

gorgon (plural gorgons)

  1. (Greek mythology) A vicious female monster from Greek mythology with sharp fangs and hair of living, venomous snakes.
  2. An intimidating, ugly, or disgusting woman; anything hideous or horrid.
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Milton to this entry?)
    "Swilling martinis and spewing venom, Phyllis is a particularly unappetizing gorgon, telling us at one point that an acquaintance of hers is aroused by the Heimlich maneuver." Washington Post, July 1, 2005

Translations

References

  • Chambers's Etymological Dictionary, 1896, p. 208

See also