frankenstein

fran-ken-stein · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (often lowercase) A creation, especially a technological or scientific one, that becomes dangerous or destructive to its creator.

  2. 2.

    (by extension) Anything monstrous or uncontrollable that was created by its own victim.

  3. 3.

    (erroneous popular usage) The monster itself, rather than its creator.

Forms

plural: frankensteins

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Frankenstein's monster — the creature created by Dr. Frankenstein; a dangerous creation
  • •
    frankenfood — (informal) genetically modified food

Related words

See also: creation, creature, monster
Synonyms: creation, monster

Etymology

From the novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818) by Mary Shelley. Victor Frankenstein is the scientist who creates the monster (which is nameless in the novel). Through popular culture, the name has become incorrectly associated with the monster rather than its creator.