sphinx

sphinx

noun \ˈsfiŋ(k)s\

plural sphinx·es or sphin·ges\ˈsfin-ˌjēz\

Definition of SPHINX

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

Examples of SPHINX

1. a statue of the Sphinx

Origin of SPHINX

Latin, from Greek Sphinx, Sphix

First Known Use: 15th century