apple of discord

Definition of apple of discord

: a subject of contention and envy

the chief apple of discord was western lands
—T. A. Bailey

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
Advanced search features
Ad free!

Origin and Etymology of apple of discord

translation of Late Latin malum Discordiae; from the golden apple inscribed “for the fairest” which was thrown into an assembly of the gods by the goddess Discord (Latin Discordia, Greek Eris) and claimed by Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite