hydra

hy-dra · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Greek mythology) A many-headed serpent or water monster slain by Hercules; when one head was cut off, two more grew in its place.

  2. 2.

    (Figurative) A persistent or complex problem that presents new obstacles as soon as one is solved.

  3. 3.

    (Biology) A small freshwater polyp with a tubular body and tentacles around the mouth.

Forms

plural: hydras

Related words

See also: monster, mythology, serpent
Synonyms: monster, serpent

Etymology

From Greek Hydra (Ὕδρα), from hydor ("water"). In mythology, the Lernaean Hydra lived in the swamps of Lerna.