Nessus

noun

Nes·​sus ˈne-səs How to pronounce Nessus (audio)
: a centaur slain by Hercules for trying to carry away Hercules' wife but avenged by means of a poisoned garment that causes Hercules to die in torment

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Nessos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Nessus was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Nessus

Ness, Loch

Nessus

nest

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Nessus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Nessus. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Nessus

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