Frankenstein
/ˈfɹæŋ.kən.staɪn/
FɹÆŊ · kən · staɪn (3 syllables)
Definition
A monster composed of body parts from various corpses attached and brought back to life by a mad scientist, typically strong, unable to speak clearly, and misunderstood.
Etymology
From German Frankenstein, various places named for Franken (“Franks, Frankish”) + Stein (“stone”). The use of referencing mad scientists derives from Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus, where Victor Frankenstein assembles a man from pieces of various corpses and brings him to life with electricity. Use of the reference to the monster itself is an ellipsis of the earlier Frankenstein's monster, with the monster's usual modern appearance derived from Boris Karloff's performance in the 1931 film Frankenstein.
Example Sentences
- ""Such loveliness as I possess can only truly shine In Hollywood!" Aunt Sponge declared. "Oh, wouldn't that be fine! I'd capture all the nations' hearts! They'd give me all the leading parts! The stars would all resign!" "I think you'd make," Aunt Spiker said, "a lovely Frankenstein.""