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Monoceros: meaning, definitions and examples

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monoceros

 

[ məˈnɒs.ər.əs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mythical creature

A monoceros is a mythical creature often depicted as a horse-like animal with a single horn on its forehead. It is similar to a unicorn, though the term can also refer to various depictions of creatures that are hybrids or fantastical beings with a singular horn.

Synonyms

mythical beast, one-horned creature, unicorn

Examples of usage

  • The ancient texts described a monoceros roaming the enchanted woods.
  • Artists have often portrayed the monoceros as a symbol of purity and grace.
  • In medieval bestiaries, the monoceros was said to be an elusive animal.
  • Legends of the monoceros have captivated imaginations for centuries.

Translations

Translations of the word "monoceros" in other languages:

🇵🇹 unicórnio

🇮🇳 एकशृंगीय घोड़ा

🇩🇪 Einhorn

🇮🇩 unicorn

🇺🇦 однорогий

🇵🇱 jednorożec

🇯🇵 ユニコーン

🇫🇷 licorne

🇪🇸 unicornio

🇹🇷 tek boynuzlu

🇰🇷 유니콘

🇸🇦 وحيد القرن

🇨🇿 jednorožec

🇸🇰 jednorožec

🇨🇳 独角兽

🇸🇮 enorog

🇮🇸 einhyrningur

🇰🇿 бірмүйізді

🇬🇪 ერთერქიანი

🇦🇿 təkboynuz

🇲🇽 unicornio

Etymology

The term 'monoceros' originates from the Greek word 'monokeros', which means 'one-horned'. It is a combination of 'mono' (one) and 'keras' (horn). This mythological creature has roots in various ancient civilizations, often representing purity and uniqueness. In classical literature, the monoceros has appeared in numerous works, symbolizing the beauty and rarity of nature. The depiction of the monoceros evolved through the ages, blending different cultural beliefs and artistic interpretations, which contributed to its enduring presence in folklore and mythology. The creature is often erroneously conflated with the more famous unicorn, but it carries its own distinct mythos featuring various attributes including speed and the ability to speak. Over time, the monoceros has been adopted in various forms of art and literature, solidifying its place in fantasy and cultural heritage.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,046, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.