Centaur Meaning and Definition
Centaur
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛntɔːr/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A mythological creature with the body of a man and the upper body of a horse.
Examples
- In ancient Greek mythology, Centaurs were depicted as wise and knowledgeable.
- The Centaur’s stable is where the horses are kept.
Synonyms
- Chimera
- Minotaur
Etymology
The word ‘Centaur’ originates from the Greek word ‘Kentauros’, meaning ‘centaur’, which is derived from ‘kentos’, meaning ‘hundred’, and ‘oura’, meaning ‘tail’.
Usage Notes
The word ‘Centaur’ is often used figuratively to describe someone who is half-human and half-beast, such as a person who is both intellectual and animalistic.
Cultural References
Centaurs have appeared in various forms of media, including literature, art, and film. Some notable examples include the works of ancient Greek writers such as Homer and Aristophanes, as well as modern movies such as ‘Percy Jackson’ and ‘Big Fish’.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There is no common idiomatic expression or phrase featuring the word ‘Centaur’.
Related Words or Phrases
- Horse
- Man
- Hybrid
Collocations
‘Centaur’ is often collocated with words such as ‘mythology’, ‘Greek’, and ‘legend’.
Frequency of Use
The word ‘Centaur’ is relatively rare in modern language, with a frequency of approximately 0.01% in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Centur
- Centaure
- Centorer