Minotaur

/ˈmaɪnətɔːr,ˈmɪnətɔːr/
noun

A creature in Greek mythology that is half bull and half man.

The hero Theseus ventured into the labyrinth to fight the Minotaur.
Visual representation of "minotaur" - A creature in Greek mythology that is half bull and half man.

Often appears as...

  • fight the minotaur
  • killed by the minotaur

Usage tips

Academic

noun

A creature in Greek mythology that is half bull and half man.

The hero Theseus ventured into the labyrinth to fight the Minotaur.
Visual representation of "minotaur" - A creature in Greek mythology that is half bull and half man.

Often appears as...

  • fight the minotaur
  • killed by the minotaur

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "minotaur"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Mythical Origin

Understand that the Minotaur comes from Greek myths and symbolizes a monstrous being.

Illustration for Mythical Origin
As dangerous as a Minotaur, he was unstoppable.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Reference

Realize that 'Minotaur' refers to a specific myth and isn't used for real animals or people.

Illustration for Cultural Reference
She drew a maze with a fearsome Minotaur in the center.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Sometimes 'Minotaur' is used metaphorically to describe complex problems or monstrous entities.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The corporation was a Minotaur, devouring all competition.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Mythical Origin

Understand that the Minotaur comes from Greek myths and symbolizes a monstrous being.

Illustration for Mythical Origin
As dangerous as a Minotaur, he was unstoppable.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Reference

Realize that 'Minotaur' refers to a specific myth and isn't used for real animals or people.

Illustration for Cultural Reference
She drew a maze with a fearsome Minotaur in the center.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Sometimes 'Minotaur' is used metaphorically to describe complex problems or monstrous entities.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The corporation was a Minotaur, devouring all competition.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Mythical Origin

Understand that the Minotaur comes from Greek myths and symbolizes a monstrous being.

Illustration for Mythical Origin
As dangerous as a Minotaur, he was unstoppable.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Reference

Realize that 'Minotaur' refers to a specific myth and isn't used for real animals or people.

Illustration for Cultural Reference
She drew a maze with a fearsome Minotaur in the center.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Sometimes 'Minotaur' is used metaphorically to describe complex problems or monstrous entities.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The corporation was a Minotaur, devouring all competition.
Visual representation of the word "Minotaur"

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Video examples

The myth of Icarus and...

This, of course, enraged the king who blamed Daedalus for enabling such a horrible perversion of natural law. As punishment, Daedalus was forced to construct an inescapable labyrinth beneath the palace for the minotaur.

Video examples

The myth of Icarus and...

This, of course, enraged the king who blamed Daedalus for enabling such a horrible perversion of natural law. As punishment, Daedalus was forced to construct an inescapable labyrinth beneath the palace for the minotaur.

Example 1 of 1

Quote examples

Pablo Picasso

Spanish Painter

If all the ways I have been along were marked on a map and joined up with a line, it might represent a minotaur.
Portrait of Pablo Picasso

Quote examples

Pablo Picasso

Spanish Painter

If all the ways I have been along were marked on a map and joined up with a line, it might represent a minotaur.
Portrait of Pablo Picasso
Example 1 of 1
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