Lexic.us

Definition of Amphisbaena

1. Noun. (classical mythology) a serpent with a head at each end of its body.

Definition of Amphisbaena

1. Noun. A mythical serpent having a head at each end of its body, able to move in either direction. ¹

2. Noun. (zoology) A genus of lizards, native to the Americas, having extremities which are very similar. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Amphisbaena

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Amphisbaena

1. 1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either way. 2. A genus of harmless lizards, serpentlike in form, without legs, and with both ends so much alike that they appear to have a head at each, and ability to move either way. The Gordius aquaticus, or hairworm, has been called an amphisbaena; but it belongs among the worms. Origin: L, fr. Gr.; on both ends + to go. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Amphisbaena

Literary usage of Amphisbaena

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Evolution by Atrophy in Biology and Sociology by Jean Demoor, Jean Massart, Émile Vandervelde (1899)
"Vertebrates which move by general undulations of the body have lost their limbs for this reason. Such cases are Slow-worms, amphisbaena, Snakes, ..."

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