Morpheus

[ mawr-fee-uhs, -fyoos ]

noun

1. Classical Mythology. a son of Hypnos and the god of dreams.

Morpheus

/ ˈmɔːfɪəs; -fjuːs /

noun

1. Greek myth the god of sleep and dreams

Morpheus

1. A Roman god of sleep and dreams.

Notes

The narcotic morphine was named after Morpheus.

Someone who is “in the arms of Morpheus” is asleep.

Derived Forms

• ˈMorphean, adjective

Other Words From

• Morphe·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Morpheus¹

1325–75; Middle English < Latin < Greek morph ( ḗ ) form + Latin -eus noun suffix; coined by Ovid, with allusion to the forms seen in dreams

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in the arms of Morpheus, asleep.

Example Sentences

The high quality of his work from that period is apparent on such classic recordings as Parker’s “Anthropology,” Miles Davis’ “Morpheus” and Bud Powell’s “Bouncing With Bud.”

From Los Angeles Times

There’s just simply nothing to hook into aside from Fishburne’s performance, which is the only captivating element of the film, and even that is derivative of his iconic Morpheus from “The Matrix.”

From Los Angeles Times

Morpheus will allow commanders to view and direct their forces on the battlefield and for their vehicles to communicate with each other.

From BBC

“When we were talking about ‘2,’ someone said, wouldn’t it be cool if we got Laurence Fishburne, so it would be like Neo and Morpheus?”

From New York Times

But, as has begun to happen during Morpheus' more than 100-year absence, dreams can also be weakened if they are not defended and maintained, their foundations cracking and crumbling into dust.

From Salon