maenad

[ mee-nad ]

noun

1. bacchante.
2. a frenzied or raging woman.

maenad

/ ˈmiːnæd /

noun

1. classical myth a woman participant in the orgiastic rites of Dionysus; bacchante
2. a frenzied woman

Derived Forms

• maeˈnadically, adverb
• maeˈnadic, adjective
• ˈmaenadism, noun

Other Words From

• mae·nadic adjective
• maenad·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of maenad¹

1570–80; < Latin Maenad- (stem of Maenas ) < Greek Mainás a bacchante, special use of mainás madwoman

Word History and Origins

Origin of maenad¹

C16: from Latin Maenas, from Greek mainas madwoman

Example Sentences

She flings her arms and tresses of Fire to the stars, a maenad in the planetary dance.

From Project Gutenberg

There stood the Maenad on her revolving stand, and there was the raised platform for the model.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet with very few changes the portrait might stand for the modern society Maenad.

From Project Gutenberg

She felt the gravity of his tone but, like a fierce Maenad, she snatched at the torch, not caring how it revealed her.

From Project Gutenberg

He followed: but the intense passion of the old hag hurled her onward with the strength and speed of a young Maenad.

From Project Gutenberg