Main Entry:

lab·y·rinth

Pronunciation:

\ˈla-bə-ˌrin(t)th, -rən(t)th\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English laborintus, from Latin labyrinthus, from Greek labyrinthos

Date:

14th century

1 a: a place constructed of or full of intricate passageways and blind alleys b: a maze (as in a garden) formed by paths separated by high hedges2: something extremely complex or tortuous in structure, arrangement, or character : intricacy, perplexity <a labyrinth of swamps and channels> <guided them through the labyrinths of city life — Paul Blanshard>3: a tortuous anatomical structure ; especially : the internal ear or its bony or membranous part