achemon sphinx

noun

ach·e·mon sphinx

ˈa-kə-ˌmän-,

ə-ˈkē-mən-

: a large hawk moth (Pholus achemon) having a caterpillar that feeds on the grapevine and Virginia creeper

Word History

Etymology

New Latin achemon (specific epithet of Pholus achemon), probably from Greek, neuter of achemōn, acheumōn, present participle of achein, acheuein to grieve, annoy, from achos pain, distress

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of achemon sphinx was in 1856

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Achemon sphinx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achemon%20sphinx. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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