Chimera

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kɪˈmɪərə/

Definitions

• Noun: In Greek mythology, a monstrous fire-breathing hybrid creature, usually depicted as a lion with the head of a goat protruding from its back, and a snake for a tail.
• Noun: A thing that is hoped or wished for but is illusory or impossible to achieve.
• Noun: A genetic organism made from cells of different origins, often used in biology and genetic engineering contexts.

Usage Examples

• "The chimera in Greek myths terrorized villages with its strange and terrifying appearance."
• "His dream of owning a mansion by the beach was a mere chimera."
• "The scientists created a chimera organism by fusing cells from two different species."

Etymology

The word "chimera" comes from the Greek word "Χίμαιρα" (Chímaira), which referred to the mythological creature. Over time, the term expanded to describe any fantastical or impossible thing.

Synonyms

• Fantasy
• Illusion
• Dream
• Fiction
• Mirage

Antonyms

• Reality
• Fact
• Truth
• Certainty
• Actuality

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "chimera" tends to remain relatively consistent across different languages, though slight variations may occur depending on regional accents and phonetic systems. The word is often pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable.

Historical Usage

In ancient Greek mythology, the chimera was a fearsome creature, often portrayed as a hybrid beast combining various animals. Over time, the term expanded to refer to any impossible or imaginary combination, especially in literature and mythology.

Cultural Nuances

The word "chimera" has influenced modern scientific and cultural contexts, particularly in the field of genetics, where it describes organisms created by combining different genetic materials. The term also carries connotations of unattainable goals or unrealistic desires in everyday speech.

More Information

The concept of a chimera has expanded beyond mythology into various scientific and philosophical discussions. In genetics, chimera organisms are those made up of two or more different sets of DNA. In modern culture, the term is often used metaphorically to describe unattainable dreams or fantastical creations.