Medusa
[mɪ'djuːzə;-sə]
Definition
(noun.) one of two forms that coelenterates take: it is the free-swimming sexual phase in the life cycle of a coelenterate; in this phase it has a gelatinous umbrella-shaped body and tentacles.
(noun.) (Greek mythology) a woman transformed into a Gorgon by Athena; she was slain by Perseus.
Checker: Valerie--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The Gorgon; or one of the Gorgons whose hair was changed into serpents, after which all who looked upon her were turned into stone.
(n.) Any free swimming acaleph; a jellyfish.
Checked by Anita
Examples
- She looked like a vivid Medusa. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- Here, too, the bride's aunt and next relation; a widowed female of a Medusa sort, in a stoney cap, glaring petrifaction at her fellow-creatures. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- He considered it quite equal to anything Medusa could do. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I thought Medusa had looked at you, and that you were turning to stone. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
Typist: Pearl