Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [sfingks]
- /sfɪŋks/
- /ˈsfɪn.dʒiːz/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [sfingks]
- /sfɪŋks/
Definitions of sphinges word
- noun plural sphinges a figure of an imaginary creature having the head of a man or an animal and the body of a lion. (usually initial capital letter) the colossal recumbent stone figure of this kind near the pyramids of Giza. 1
- noun plural sphinges (initial capital letter) Classical Mythology. a monster, usually represented as having the head and breast of a woman, the body of a lion, and the wings of an eagle. Seated on a rock outside of Thebes, she proposed a riddle to travelers, killing them when they answered incorrectly, as all did before Oedipus. When he answered her riddle correctly the Sphinx killed herself. 1
- noun plural sphinges any similar monster. 1
- noun plural sphinges a mysterious, inscrutable person or thing, especially one given to enigmatic questions or answers. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of sphinges
First appearance:
before 1375 One of the 22% oldest English words
1375-1425; late Middle English < Latin < Greek sphínx, equivalent to sphing-, base of sphíngein to hold tight (cf. sphincter) + -s nominative singular ending
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Sphinges
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
sphinges popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 82% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
sphinges usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for sphinges
Antonyms for sphinges
noun sphinges
- knowns — Plural form of known.
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with s
- Words starting with sp
- Words starting with sph
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- Words starting with sphin
- Words starting with sphing
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- Words starting with sphinges