Philomela

noun

Phil·​o·​me·​la ˌfi-lə-ˈmē-lə How to pronounce Philomela (audio)
: an Athenian princess in Greek mythology raped and deprived of her tongue by her brother-in-law Tereus, avenged by the killing of his son, and changed into a nightingale while fleeing from him

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Philomēlē

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Philomela was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Philomela

Cite this Entry

“Philomela.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Philomela. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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