medusa

medusa · noun¹

By appellativization from Medusa.

Medusa · proper noun²

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromΜέδουσα
2. Latin · derived fromMedūsa
3. Middle English · inherited fromMedusa
4. English todayMedusa

From Middle English Medusa, Meduse, from Latin Medūsa, from Ancient Greek Μέδουσα (Médousa), from μέδω (médō, “rule over”).

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from 18th c. A jellyfish; specifically, a non-polyp form of individual cnidarians, consisting of a gelatinous umbrella-shaped bell and trailing tentacles.