Frankenstein

[ frang-kuh n-stahyn ]
/ ˈfræŋ kənˌstaɪn /

noun

a person who creates a monster or a destructive agency that cannot be controlled or that brings about the creator's ruin.
Also called Frankenstein monster. the monster or destructive agency itself.

Origin of Frankenstein

First recorded in 1830–40; after a character in Mary Shelley's novel of the same name (1818)

OTHER WORDS FROM Frankenstein

Frank·en·stein·i·an, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for frankensteinian

Frankenstein
/ (ˈfræŋkɪnˌstaɪn) /

noun

a person who creates something that brings about his ruin
Also called: Frankenstein's monster a thing that destroys its creator

Derived forms of Frankenstein

Frankensteinian, adjective

Word Origin for Frankenstein

C19: after Baron Frankenstein, who created a destructive monster from parts of corpses in the novel by Mary Shelley (1818)

Cultural definitions for frankensteinian

Frankenstein

(1818) A novel by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. The title character, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, makes a manlike monster from parts of cadavers and brings it to life by the power of an electrical charge. Frankenstein's monster is larger than most men and fantastically strong.

notes for Frankenstein

Frequently the subject of horror films, the monster is usually pictured with an oversized square brow, metal bolts in his neck and forehead, and greenish skin. People often mistakenly refer to the monster, rather than to his creator, as “Frankenstein.”