Hydra: meaning, definitions and examples
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hydra
[ หhaษช.drษ ]
mythology creature
In Greek mythology, the Hydra is a serpentine water monster with multiple heads; when one head is cut off, two more grow back in its place. It was said to dwell in the Lerna swamp and was known for its incredible regenerative abilities. The Hydra was famously defeated by the hero Heracles as one of his Twelve Labors. It symbolizes the challenges of confronting a seemingly invincible foe and represents the idea that problems can multiply if not dealt with properly.
Synonyms
monster, mythical beast, serpent
Examples of usage
- Heracles fought the Hydra.
- The Hydra had nine heads.
- Cutting off a head only made it worse.
- The Lernaean Hydra is a famous myth.
biological genus
Hydra, as a genus of small, freshwater organisms, belongs to the phylum Cnidaria. These organisms are known for their regenerative capabilities and lack of a defined body segment. Typically found in clean, temperate waters, Hydras can reproduce both sexually and asexually, allowing them to thrive in various environments. Their study contributes significantly to understanding cellular regeneration and development.
Synonyms
cnidarian, freshwater polyp, organism
Examples of usage
- Hydra can regenerate its cells.
- The study of Hydra aids biotechnology.
- Hydra are found in freshwater habitats.
Translations
Translations of the word "hydra" in other languages:
๐ต๐น hidra
๐ฎ๐ณ เคนเคพเคเคกเฅเคฐเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Hydra
๐ฎ๐ฉ hidra
๐บ๐ฆ ะณัะดัะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ hydra
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใฉ
๐ซ๐ท hydre
๐ช๐ธ hidra
๐น๐ท hidra
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋๋ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุฏุฑุง
๐จ๐ฟ hydra
๐ธ๐ฐ hydra
๐จ๐ณ ไนๅคด่
๐ธ๐ฎ hidra
๐ฎ๐ธ hรฝdra
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะณะธะดัะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แฐแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ hidra
๐ฒ๐ฝ hidra
Etymology
The word 'hydra' originates from the Greek word 'แฝฮดฯฮฑฯ', which referred to a water serpent or monster. The etymological roots can be traced back to the Indo-European root '*wรณdrฬฅ', meaning water. This ties hydra to elemental forces, as it has long been depicted in ancient texts and myths as a creature associated with water bodies. The most notable narrative involving the Hydra is that of the Lernaean Hydra from Greek mythology, which was encountered by the hero Heracles. Over time, the term has transcended its mythological connotations, finding use in biological sciences to describe a genus of small aquatic organisms characterized by their regeneration capabilities. This dual identity highlights humanity's fascination with the natural world's mysteries and the ancient narratives that shape our understanding of it.