achemon sphinx

noun

ach·​e·​mon sphinx

ˈa-kə-ˌmän-,

ə-ˈkē-mən-

: a large hawk moth (Pholus achemon) having a caterpillar that feeds on the grapevine and Virginia creeper

Word History

Etymology

New Latin achemon (specific epithet of Pholus achemon), probably from Greek, neuter of achemōn, acheumōn, present participle of achein, acheuein to grieve, annoy, from achos pain, distress

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

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