Main Entry: sphinx

Pronunciation: \ˈsfiŋ(k)s\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural sphinx·es or sphin·ges \ˈsfin-ˌjēz\

Etymology: Latin, from Greek Sphinx, Sphix

Date: 15th century

1 a capitalized : a winged female monster in Greek mythology having a woman's head and a lion's body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle b : an enigmatic or mysterious person <she is a sphinx whose features hold a blank fascination>
2 : an ancient Egyptian image in the form of a recumbent lion having a man's head, a ram's head, or a hawk's head

— sphinx·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective