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Meaning of AMPHISBAENA

Pronunciation:  `amfis'beenu

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. [n]  type genus of the Amphisbaenidae
  2. [n]  (classical mythology) a serpent with a head at each end of its body
 
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 Synonyms: Amphisbaenia, genus Amphisbaena, genus Amphisbaenia
 
 See Also: mythical creature, mythical monster, reptile genus, worm lizard

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
\Am`phis*b[ae]"na\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?; ? on both
ends + ? to go.]
1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either
   way. --Milton.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A genus of harmless lizards, serpentlike in
   form, without legs, and with both ends so much alike that
   they appear to have a head at each, and ability to move
   either way. See Illustration in Appendix.
Note: The {Gordius aquaticus}, or hairworm, has been called
      an {amphisb[ae]na}; but it belongs among the worms.
 

 

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