chimera

Definition

Alternative letter-case form of Chimera, a supposed monster in Lycia with the head of a lion, body of a goat, and tail of a dragon or serpent, killed by the hero Bellerophon.

Etymology

Variant of Middle English chimere, chymere, & chymera under renewed Latin influence from the 16th century, from French chimère, from Latin Chimaera, from Ancient Greek Χίμαιρα (Khímaira, “fire-breathing mythological monster, fire-spewing Lycian or Cilician mountain”), from χίμαιρα (khímaira, “she-goat”, from χίμαρος (khímaros, “male goat”) + -α (-a)), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰey-. In reference to the fish, directly from Latin Chimaera, used by Linnaeus. In reference to organisms with distinct areas of different genetic makeups, a calque of German Chimäre, used by Hans Winkler in 1907.

Example Sentences

• "...beestis clepid chymeres, that han a part of ech beest, and suche ben not, no but oonly in opynyoun..."
• "Bellerophon was commanded to destroy this monster, and with the assistance of the flying horse, Pegasus, he slew the chimera."
• "The game includes a bunch of chimeras, with the lion heads shooting fire and the snake tails whipping around trying to bite the player."