amphisbaena

[ am-fuhs-bee-nuh ]

noun

, plural am·phis·bae·nae [am-f, uh, s-, bee, -nee], am·phis·bae·nas.

1. any of numerous worm lizards of the genus Amphisbaena.
2. Classical Mythology. a serpent having a head at each end of its body and the ability to move forward or backward.

amphisbaena

/ ˌæmfɪsˈbiːnə /

noun

1. any worm lizard of the genus Amphisbaena
2. classical myth a poisonous serpent having a head at each end and able to move forwards or backwards

Derived Forms

• ˌamphisˈbaenic, adjective

Other Words From

• amphis·baeni·an amphis·baenic amphis·baenoid amphis·baenous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphisbaena¹

1350–1400; Middle English amphibena < New Latin, Latin < Greek amphísbaina a serpent that moves forward or backward, equivalent to amphís both ways + baín ( ein ) to go + -a noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphisbaena¹

C16: via Latin from Greek amphisbaina, from amphis both ways + bainein to go

Example Sentences

He describes Sir Thomas Browne’s compendium of real and imaginary creatures: the chameleon, the salamander, the ostrich, the gryphon and the phoenix, the basilisk, the unicorn, and the amphisbaena, the serpent with two heads.

From Salon

It is probable, however, that the amphisbaena takes up its abode in the nest for the convenience of devouring the inhabitants, whenever unable to procure other food.

From Project Gutenberg

The peculiar motion of the snake we found, scientifically called amphisbaenae, wriggling as it does backwards and forwards, has given rise to the idea of its having two heads.

From Project Gutenberg

They have here also the amphisbaena, or two-headed snake, of a grey colour, mixed with blackish stripes, whose bite is reckoned to be incurable.

From Project Gutenberg