Hydra: meaning, definitions and examples

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hydra

 

[ หˆhaษช.drษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น hidra

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเคพเค‡เคกเฅเคฐเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Hydra

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ hidra

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั–ะดั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ hydra

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ’ใƒ‰ใƒฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hydre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hidra

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hidra

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํžˆ๋“œ๋ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‡ูŠุฏุฑุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hydra

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hydra

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไนๅคด่›‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ hidra

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hรฝdra

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณะธะดั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฐแƒ˜แƒ“แƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hidra

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hidra

Etymology

The word 'hydra' originates from the Greek word 'แฝ•ฮดฯฮฑฯ‚', 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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,304, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.