labyrinth

lab·y·rinth

noun \ˈla-bə-ˌrin(t)th, -rən(t)th\

Definition of LABYRINTH

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 hedges

2

: 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

Examples of LABYRINTH

1. a complex labyrinth of tunnels and chambers
2. The cockpit was a labyrinth of instruments and controls.
3. a labyrinth of social customs and rules

Origin of LABYRINTH

Middle English laborintus, from Latin labyrinthus, from Greek labyrinthos

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LABYRINTH

Synonyms

maze, rabbit warren, warren

Related Words

meander; jungle, quagmire; catacomb, cat's cradle, knot, snarl, tangle, web; entanglement, entrapment, snare, trap

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

lab·y·rinth

noun \ˈlab-ə-ˌrin(t)th, -rən(t)th\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of LABYRINTH

: a tortuous anatomical structure; especially : the inner ear or its bony or membranous part—see bony labyrinth, membranous labyrinth

labyrinth

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

System of intricate passageways and blind alleys. Labyrinth was the name given by the ancient Greeks and Romans to buildings, entirely or partly underground, containing a number of chambers and passages that made egress difficult. From the European Renaissance on, labyrinths or mazes consisting of intricate paths separated by high hedges were a feature of formal gardens.

Variants of LABYRINTH

labyrinth or maze