phoenix

phoe-nix · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (mythology) A mythical bird that cyclically burns itself to death and is reborn from the ashes.

  2. 2.

    A person or thing that has been restored after apparent destruction.

  3. 3.

    (Phoenix) The capital and largest city of Arizona, United States.

Forms

plural: phoenixes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    rise like a phoenix — to be reborn or revived after destruction
  • •
    phoenix from the ashes — something that emerges renewed after apparent destruction

Related words

See also: mythical, rebirth, resurrection
Synonyms: firebird

Etymology

From Latin phoenix, from Greek phoinix, perhaps related to phoinos ("blood-red") referring to the bird's plumage. The mythical bird originated in Egyptian and Greek traditions.