sphinx
sphinx Lexical Profile
sphinx Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mythological creature, typically depicted in Greek lore as having a lion's body, a woman's head, and wings, famous for posing riddles and destroying those who failed to answer them.
"According to Greek mythology, Oedipus was the only traveler able to solve the riddle of the sphinx."
An ancient Egyptian monumental sculpture featuring the body of a lion and the head of a human, ram, or falcon, usually representing a pharaoh or deity as a guardian figure.
"An avenue of ram-headed sphinxes once connected the magnificent ancient temples of Karnak and Luxor."
An enigmatic, inscrutable, or highly mysterious person whose thoughts and intentions are completely hidden from others.
"When interrogated by the press regarding his sudden resignation, the executive remained a sphinx, offering only silence."
• Rhymes for sphinx
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'sphinx', originating from Greek 'sphigx', derived from 'sphingein' (to squeeze, bind), likely referring to the monster's method of strangling victims who failed to answer her riddles.