medusa's head

noun

1
: an edible hedgehog mushroom (Hydnum caput-medusae) with interwoven hymenial spines
2
: an African euphorbia (Euphorbia caput-medusae) with numerous drooping slender branches
3
: a weedy rye grass (Elymus caput-medusae) having long bristling awns

Word History

Etymology

after Medusa, one of the three Gorgons, whose hair was said to have been turned into snakes

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!

Dictionary Entries Near medusa's head

Cite this Entry

“Medusa's head.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medusa%27s%20head. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!