Thyestean

adjective

Thy·​es·​te·​an thī-ˈe-stē-ən How to pronounce Thyestean (audio)
: of or relating to the eating of human flesh : cannibal

Examples of Thyestean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Instead, we’re treated to a literal Thyestean Feast—an event in Greek mythology where Thyestes, a king of Olympia, was served his own children’s flesh by his vengeful twin brother Atreus as revenge for adultery. Radhika Menon, ELLE, 30 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Thyestes, brother of Atreus who unwittingly ate the flesh of his children

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Thyestean was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near Thyestean

Cite this Entry

“Thyestean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Thyestean. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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