lachesis
lachesis Lexical Profile
• noun
In Greek mythology, the second of the Three Fates (Moirai), who measures the length of the thread of human life to determine a person's destiny.
"According to ancient texts, Lachesis measured the thread of destiny that her sister Clotho had spun before Atropos ultimately cut it."
A genus of large, highly venomous pit vipers native to the forests of Central and South America, commonly known as bushmasters.
"The herpetologist carefully documented the deep-forest habitat of Lachesis muta, the South American bushmaster."
A homeopathic remedy prepared from the highly diluted venom of the South American bushmaster snake, historically used in alternative medicine.
"The homeopathic practitioner prescribed a heavily diluted preparation of lachesis to help address the patient's hot flashes."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from ancient Greek 'Lachesis' (Λάχεσις), meaning 'disposer of lots' or 'allotter', from the verb 'lanchanein' (to obtain by lot, to receive as one's portion).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.