2. MYTHOLOGY WORD ORIGINS

3. AMBROSIA Present Day Meaning: (noun) Anything delicious or fragrant Present Day Meaning: (noun) Anything delicious or fragrant Mythological Origin: It was the food of the gods and it made them immortal. Mythological Origin: It was the food of the gods and it made them immortal.

4. CHAOTIC Present Day Meaning: (adj.) A state of disorder and confusion Present Day Meaning: (adj.) A state of disorder and confusion Mythological Origin: According the Greek creation myth, Chaos was the first being and was a disorganized mass of seeds and the beginnings of all things. Mythological Origin: According the Greek creation myth, Chaos was the first being and was a disorganized mass of seeds and the beginnings of all things.

5. TITANIC Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Very large or strong, powerful. Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Very large or strong, powerful. Mythological Origin: Titans were fabled giants of ancient mythology who were enormous in size and strength. Mythological Origin: Titans were fabled giants of ancient mythology who were enormous in size and strength.

6. CHRONOLOGICAL Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Arranged in the order of time. Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Arranged in the order of time. Mythological Origin: Chronos was one of the Titans and the son of Uranus and Gaea. He was Time, and said to be the most terrible of all the Titans. Mythological Origin: Chronos was one of the Titans and the son of Uranus and Gaea. He was Time, and said to be the most terrible of all the Titans.

7. SATURNINE Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Looking sad, serious, especially in a threatening way. Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Looking sad, serious, especially in a threatening way. Mythological Origin: Saturn is the Greek name for Chronos. In terms of Astrology, the planet Saturn intensifies feelings of sadness, isolation, and depression, just like Saturn/Chronos felt when he became an eternal prisoner of Tartarus. Mythological Origin: Saturn is the Greek name for Chronos. In terms of Astrology, the planet Saturn intensifies feelings of sadness, isolation, and depression, just like Saturn/Chronos felt when he became an eternal prisoner of Tartarus.

8. PLUTONIUM Present Day Meaning: (n.) A metal that is used in the production of nuclear power and it is invisible to the naked eye. Present Day Meaning: (n.) A metal that is used in the production of nuclear power and it is invisible to the naked eye. Mythological Origin: Pluto, God of the Underworld was given a helmet of invisibility by the three Cyclops when he and his brothers all waged war on Cronos. Just as Pluto wore a helmet of invisibility, so Plutonium is an element none of us are ever likely to see. Mythological Origin: Pluto, God of the Underworld was given a helmet of invisibility by the three Cyclops when he and his brothers all waged war on Cronos. Just as Pluto wore a helmet of invisibility, so Plutonium is an element none of us are ever likely to see.

9. MERCURIAL Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Changing moods suddenly. Mercury is the metal used in a thermometer that moves up and down in order to measure temperature. Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Changing moods suddenly. Mercury is the metal used in a thermometer that moves up and down in order to measure temperature. Mythological Meaning: Mercury is the messenger God and he is the only one who can travel up to Mount Olympus, where the Gods live, and down to the Underworld. As the escort of souls down to Tartarus, he has always been associated with movement and travel. Mercury is after all, mercurial and speed is his great skill as he is the messenger of the gods. Mythological Meaning: Mercury is the messenger God and he is the only one who can travel up to Mount Olympus, where the Gods live, and down to the Underworld. As the escort of souls down to Tartarus, he has always been associated with movement and travel. Mercury is after all, mercurial and speed is his great skill as he is the messenger of the gods.

10. JOVIAL: Present Day Meaning: (adj.) To be friendly or cheerful. Present Day Meaning: (adj.) To be friendly or cheerful. Mythological Meaning: Jove is another name for Zeus, King of the Gods and ruler of mankind. He was well known for his “friendly” attitude toward most females. Mythological Meaning: Jove is another name for Zeus, King of the Gods and ruler of mankind. He was well known for his “friendly” attitude toward most females.

11. VOLCANO Present Day Meaning: (noun) A naturally occurring opening in the surface of the Earth through which molten, gaseous, and solid material is ejected. Present Day Meaning: (noun) A naturally occurring opening in the surface of the Earth through which molten, gaseous, and solid material is ejected. Mythological Origin: Vulcan (Hephaestus) was the god of fire; blacksmith for the gods. His forge was located in a volcano. Mythological Origin: Vulcan (Hephaestus) was the god of fire; blacksmith for the gods. His forge was located in a volcano.

12. CEREAL Present Day Meaning: (noun) Crop plant with edible grain; breakfast food. Present Day Meaning: (noun) Crop plant with edible grain; breakfast food. Mythological Origin: The term was derived from Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. Mythological Origin: The term was derived from Ceres, the goddess of agriculture.

13. MARTIAL Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Warlike and fierce Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Warlike and fierce Mythological Origin: It pertained to Mars, the Roman god of war. Mythological Origin: It pertained to Mars, the Roman god of war.

14. APHRODISIAC Present Day Meaning: (noun) Something that arouses or intensifies sexual drive. Present Day Meaning: (noun) Something that arouses or intensifies sexual drive. Mythological Origin: Related to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Mythological Origin: Related to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

15. ARACHNID Present Day Meaning: (noun) Eight-legged organism. A spider. Present Day Meaning: (noun) Eight-legged organism. A spider. Mythological Origin: She was a Greek maiden who was turned into a spider after she boastfully won Athena in a weaving contest. Mythological Origin: She was a Greek maiden who was turned into a spider after she boastfully won Athena in a weaving contest.

16. METAMORPHOSIS Present Day Meaning: (n.) The process in which something changes completely into something very different. Present Day Meaning: (n.) The process in which something changes completely into something very different. Mythological Origin: Taken from the god of dreams, Morpheus. An example of metamorphosis is in the myth Arachne; she changes from her human form, into something totally different; a spider. Mythological Origin: Taken from the god of dreams, Morpheus. An example of metamorphosis is in the myth Arachne; she changes from her human form, into something totally different; a spider.

17. NARCISSISTIC Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Someone who admires his/her own physical appearance or ability can be described as narcissistic. Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Someone who admires his/her own physical appearance or ability can be described as narcissistic. Mythological Origin: Narcissus is a beautiful young man who rejected all admirers, including the nymph Echo. As a punishment for his vanity, he falls in love with his own reflection. Mythological Origin: Narcissus is a beautiful young man who rejected all admirers, including the nymph Echo. As a punishment for his vanity, he falls in love with his own reflection.

18. LABYRINTH Present Day Meaning: (noun) A structure of connecting passages through which it is difficult to find one’s way; a maze. Present Day Meaning: (noun) A structure of connecting passages through which it is difficult to find one’s way; a maze. Mythological Origin: It was used to describe a maze that was designed by Daedalus for King Minos of Crete to confine Minotaur. Mythological Origin: It was used to describe a maze that was designed by Daedalus for King Minos of Crete to confine Minotaur.

19. TANTALIZE Present Day Meaning: (verb) To tease by presenting something desirable to view, but keeping it continually out of reach. Present Day Meaning: (verb) To tease by presenting something desirable to view, but keeping it continually out of reach. Mythological Origin: Tantalus, a Phrygian King, was condemned to remain in Tartarus, standing, thirsty, hungry, and chin-deep in water with fruit-laden branches hanging above his head. As he tried to drink, the water level retreated. When he attempted to eat the fruit, it would slip away from his hands. Mythological Origin: Tantalus, a Phrygian King, was condemned to remain in Tartarus, standing, thirsty, hungry, and chin-deep in water with fruit-laden branches hanging above his head. As he tried to drink, the water level retreated. When he attempted to eat the fruit, it would slip away from his hands.

20. LETHAL Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Causing death or disorder Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Causing death or disorder Mythological Origin: Lethe is the river of forgetfulness on the way to Hades. Letum was a monster, who lived in the underworld. His name meant death. Mythological Origin: Lethe is the river of forgetfulness on the way to Hades. Letum was a monster, who lived in the underworld. His name meant death.

21. SISYPHEAN Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Involving endless, but pointless labor. Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Involving endless, but pointless labor. Mythological Origin: Sisyphus was a cruel king of Corinth condemned forever to roll a huge stone up a hill in Hades. Once the stone reached the top, it would fall back down. Mythological Origin: Sisyphus was a cruel king of Corinth condemned forever to roll a huge stone up a hill in Hades. Once the stone reached the top, it would fall back down.

22. FATE(S) Present Day Meaning: (n.) A power that is believed to control what happens in people’s lives. Present Day Meaning: (n.) A power that is believed to control what happens in people’s lives. Mythological Origin: The Fates Are three ancient goddesses, daughters of Zeus, who were in charge of deciding the length of each mortal’s life. One Fate is in charge of starting the “thread of life”; BIRTH; another is in charge of weaving “the thread of life”; WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU IN YOUR LIFE; and the third is in charge of cutting “the thread of life”; DEATH. Mythological Origin: The Fates Are three ancient goddesses, daughters of Zeus, who were in charge of deciding the length of each mortal’s life. One Fate is in charge of starting the “thread of life”; BIRTH; another is in charge of weaving “the thread of life”; WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU IN YOUR LIFE; and the third is in charge of cutting “the thread of life”; DEATH.

23. “The Midas Touch” Present Day Meaning: The ability to make, manage, and keep large amounts of money. Present Day Meaning: The ability to make, manage, and keep large amounts of money. Mythological Origin: Midas, King of Phrygia, a greedy man who Dionysus gave the power of turning everything he touched into gold. Mythological Origin: Midas, King of Phrygia, a greedy man who Dionysus gave the power of turning everything he touched into gold.

24. PSYCHOLOGY Present Day Meaning: (n) The study of the mind and how it works. Present Day Meaning: (n) The study of the mind and how it works. Mythological origin: Psyche was considered a perfect woman, in mind, body and spirit. Therefore, her mind was used as the standard for all others to be judged. Mythological origin: Psyche was considered a perfect woman, in mind, body and spirit. Therefore, her mind was used as the standard for all others to be judged.

25. ATLAS Present Day Meaning: (noun) A book or collection of maps Present Day Meaning: (noun) A book or collection of maps Mythological Origin: He was a Titan who fought against Zeus, and his punishment was that he supported the world on his shoulders. In some myths it is the sky. Mythological Origin: He was a Titan who fought against Zeus, and his punishment was that he supported the world on his shoulders. In some myths it is the sky.

26. AMAZONIAN Present Day Meaning: (noun) A physically or mentally strong; aggressive woman. Present Day Meaning: (noun) A physically or mentally strong; aggressive woman. Mythological Origin: A group of women warriors who lived in Scythia or in the northern limits of the world. Mythological Origin: A group of women warriors who lived in Scythia or in the northern limits of the world.

27. HERCULEAN Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Something that requires great strength or that is enormous in size or courage. Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Something that requires great strength or that is enormous in size or courage. Mythological Origin: Hercules was a famous hero, known for his courage and strength. He performs 12 labors; very difficult tasks; as a punishment for murdering his wife and children Mythological Origin: Hercules was a famous hero, known for his courage and strength. He performs 12 labors; very difficult tasks; as a punishment for murdering his wife and children

28. ACHILLES’ HEEL Present Day Meaning: (noun) The vulnerable or weak spot of a man’s character or a of a nation. Present Day Meaning: (noun) The vulnerable or weak spot of a man’s character or a of a nation. Mythological Origin: It is from the tale of when Thetis took her son, Achilles, by the heel and dipped him in the Styx River, so that he would be invincible. The water washed every part of his body, excluding his heel, which had been covered by his mother’s hands. It was on this vulnerable point that caused the hero to be slain. Mythological Origin: It is from the tale of when Thetis took her son, Achilles, by the heel and dipped him in the Styx River, so that he would be invincible. The water washed every part of his body, excluding his heel, which had been covered by his mother’s hands. It was on this vulnerable point that caused the hero to be slain.

29. “Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts” Present Day Meaning: Be careful of accepting a gift from a potential enemy because it may bring misfortune. Present Day Meaning: Be careful of accepting a gift from a potential enemy because it may bring misfortune. Mythological Origin: The Trojan Horse, a wooden horse, was a gift from Athena which contained armed men who attacked the city Troy. Mythological Origin: The Trojan Horse, a wooden horse, was a gift from Athena which contained armed men who attacked the city Troy.

30. “The Face that Launched a Thousand Ships” Present Day Meaning: Any one person causing disaster or war. Present Day Meaning: Any one person causing disaster or war. Mythological Origin: Helen of Troy was one of the most beautiful Greek women. She fled with Prince Paris, which launched the Trojan War. Mythological Origin: Helen of Troy was one of the most beautiful Greek women. She fled with Prince Paris, which launched the Trojan War.

31. MUSE Present Day Meaning: (noun) A source of inspiration; a guiding spirit Present Day Meaning: (noun) A source of inspiration; a guiding spirit Mythological Origin: Muse was one of the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, goddess of memory. The Muses inspired different creative artists. Mythological Origin: Muse was one of the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, goddess of memory. The Muses inspired different creative artists.

32. ODYSSEY Present Day Meaning: (noun) A long, adventurous voyage. Present Day Meaning: (noun) A long, adventurous voyage. Mythological Origin: A Greek epic poem that explains the adventures of Ulysses in his voyage after the fall of Troy. Mythological Origin: A Greek epic poem that explains the adventures of Ulysses in his voyage after the fall of Troy.

33. MENTOR Present Day Meaning: (n.) An experienced person who advises, encourages, and helps a less experienced person. Present Day Meaning: (n.) An experienced person who advises, encourages, and helps a less experienced person. Mythological Meaning: Mentor is an elder whom Odysseus asks to watch over the education and the raising of his son, Telemachus. Mythological Meaning: Mentor is an elder whom Odysseus asks to watch over the education and the raising of his son, Telemachus.

34. “Between Scylla & Charybidis Present Day Meaning: In a position where avoidance of one danger exposes one to another danger. Present Day Meaning: In a position where avoidance of one danger exposes one to another danger. Mythological Origin: Scylla was a six-headed monster who lived on a rock on one side of a narrow strait. Charybdis was a whirlpool on the other side. Whenever ships passed close to Scylla’s rock so that they would avoid Charybdis, she would seize and devour their sailors. Mythological Origin: Scylla was a six-headed monster who lived on a rock on one side of a narrow strait. Charybdis was a whirlpool on the other side. Whenever ships passed close to Scylla’s rock so that they would avoid Charybdis, she would seize and devour their sailors.

35. “A Lotus Eater” Present Day Meaning: Anyone who surrenders to indolent pleasure Present Day Meaning: Anyone who surrenders to indolent pleasure Mythological Origin: Odysseus was driven to North Africa, the land of the Lotus Eaters. They consumed the fruit of the lotus and lived in constant state of dreamy forgetfulness and happy irresponsibility. Mythological Origin: Odysseus was driven to North Africa, the land of the Lotus Eaters. They consumed the fruit of the lotus and lived in constant state of dreamy forgetfulness and happy irresponsibility.

36. ADONIS Present Day Meaning: (noun) An extremely handsome young man Present Day Meaning: (noun) An extremely handsome young man Mythological Origin: A handsome young man was loved by Aphrodite and Persephone. He was killed while hunting boar, but was allowed by Zeus to divide his time between Aphrodite on earth and Persephone in the Underworld. Mythological Origin: A handsome young man was loved by Aphrodite and Persephone. He was killed while hunting boar, but was allowed by Zeus to divide his time between Aphrodite on earth and Persephone in the Underworld.

37. FURIOUS Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Extremely angry. Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Extremely angry. Mythological Origin: The Furies are three female creatures who punish all crimes and breaking of society’s rules. First and foremost they punish those who hunt or kill their own family members. Mythological Origin: The Furies are three female creatures who punish all crimes and breaking of society’s rules. First and foremost they punish those who hunt or kill their own family members.

38. HALCYON DAYS Present Day Meaning: (noun) A time of, serenity, and happiness. Present Day Meaning: (noun) A time of peace, serenity, and happiness. Mythological Origin: Halcyon is Greek for Kingfisher. The ancient Sicilians believed that because the Kingfisher laid and incubated his eggs for fourteen days on the surface of the sea, the waves would calm before the winter solstice. Mythological Origin: Halcyon is Greek for Kingfisher. The ancient Sicilians believed that because the Kingfisher laid and incubated his eggs for fourteen days on the surface of the sea, the waves would calm before the winter solstice.

39. AURORA Present Day Meaning: (noun) Early Morning; glowing. Present Day Meaning: (noun) Early Morning; glowing. Mythological Origin: In Grecian mythology, the goddess Aurora was said to have been the “pioneer” of the rising sun. Mythological Origin: In Grecian mythology, the goddess Aurora was said to have been the “pioneer” of the rising sun.

40. NEMESIS Present Day Meaning: (noun) A source of harm or ruin Present Day Meaning: (noun) A source of harm or ruin Mythological Origin: The goddess of retributive justice or vengeance. Mythological Origin: The goddess of retributive justice or vengeance.

41. IRIDESCENT Present Day Meaning: (noun) A rainbow- like display of colors. Present Day Meaning: (noun) A rainbow- like display of colors. Mythological Origin: Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods. Mythological Origin: Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods.

42. PHOBIA Present Day Meaning: (noun) An irrational or very powerful fear and dislike of something Present Day Meaning: (noun) An irrational or very powerful fear and dislike of something Mythological Origin: Phobos, son of Ares, was the representation of fear. Mythological Origin: Phobos, son of Ares, was the representation of fear.

43. PANDEMONIUM Present Day Meaning: (noun) A situation in which there is a lot of noise because people are angry, confused or frightened. Present Day Meaning: (noun) A situation in which there is a lot of noise because people are angry, confused or frightened. Mythological Origin: Named after the God Pan, God of shepherds, forests, wildlife, and fertility. Like other Gods who dwelt in forests, he was dreaded by travelers to whom sometimes he appeared and whom he startled with a sudden terror. His unseen presence aroused feelings of panic in men passing through the remote lonely places of the wild, thus creating a feeling of pandemonium in the hunters. Mythological Origin: Named after the God Pan, God of shepherds, forests, wildlife, and fertility. Like other Gods who dwelt in forests, he was dreaded by travelers to whom sometimes he appeared and whom he startled with a sudden terror. His unseen presence aroused feelings of panic in men passing through the remote lonely places of the wild, thus creating a feeling of pandemonium in the hunters.

44. PROTEAN Present Day Meaning: (noun) Having the ability to change your appearance or behavior again and again. Present Day Meaning: (noun) Having the ability to change your appearance or behavior again and again. Mythological Origin: Proteus is a subject of Poseidon, and he lives in the sea. He can tell the future, but you have to catch him in order to find out what your future holds. He had the power to change shape in order to escape those trying to catch him. Mythological Origin: Proteus is a subject of Poseidon, and he lives in the sea. He can tell the future, but you have to catch him in order to find out what your future holds. He had the power to change shape in order to escape those trying to catch him.

45. HARPY Present Day Meaning: (noun) A shrewish, quarrelsome woman Present Day Meaning: (noun) A shrewish, quarrelsome woman Mythological Origin: This term was used to signify a monster that was half woman and half bird of prey. Harpies hounded their victims. Mythological Origin: This term was used to signify a monster that was half woman and half bird of prey. Harpies hounded their victims.

46. NIKE Present Day Meaning: (noun) Victorious Present Day Meaning: (noun) Victorious Mythological Origin: She can run and fly at great speed. She was the goddess of victory. Mythological Origin: She can run and fly at great speed. She was the goddess of victory.

47. CHIMERA Present Day Meaning: (noun) An illusory fancy, a wild, absurd scheme, a castle in the air. Present Day Meaning: (noun) An illusory fancy, a wild, absurd scheme, a castle in the air. Mythological Origin: Homer described the chimera as a monster with a goat’s body, a lion’s head, and a dragon’s tail. It was born in Lycia, and then was slain by Bellerophon. Mythological Origin: Homer described the chimera as a monster with a goat’s body, a lion’s head, and a dragon’s tail. It was born in Lycia, and then was slain by Bellerophon.

48. ZEPHYR Present Day Meaning: (noun) A mild wind or a gentle breeze. Present Day Meaning: (noun) A mild wind or a gentle breeze. Mythological Origin: He was the west wind, the son of Aeolus and Aurora, and the lover of Flora. Mythological Origin: He was the west wind, the son of Aeolus and Aurora, and the lover of Flora.

49. NECTAR Present Day Meaning: (noun) A delicious, enjoyable drink from a plant Present Day Meaning: (noun) A delicious, enjoyable drink from a plant Mythological Origin: It was the drink of the gods that sustained their beauty and immortality. Mythological Origin: It was the drink of the gods that sustained their beauty and immortality.

50. PANIC Present Day Meaning: (noun) A sudden feeling of fear and anxiety Present Day Meaning: (noun) A sudden feeling of fear and anxiety Mythological Origin: Pan, the woodland god, and the son of Hermes. Mythological Origin: Pan, the woodland god, and the son of Hermes.

51. FLORAL Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Flowers Present Day Meaning: (adj.) Flowers Mythological Origin: Flora was the Roman goddess of Flowers Mythological Origin: Flora was the Roman goddess of Flowers