labyrinth
[ lab-uh-rinth ]
/ ˈlæb ə rɪnθ /
noun
Origin of labyrinth
1540–50; < Latin
labyrinthus < Greek
labýrinthos; replacing earlier
laborynt < Medieval Latin
laborintus, Latin, as above
Words nearby labyrinth
Example sentences from the Web for labyrinth
British Dictionary definitions for labyrinth (1 of 2)
labyrinth
/ (ˈlæbərɪnθ) /
noun
a mazelike network of tunnels, chambers, or paths, either natural or man-made
Compare maze (def. 1)
any complex or confusing system of streets, passages, etc
a complex or intricate situation
- any system of interconnecting cavities, esp those comprising the internal ear
- another name for internal ear
electronics
an enclosure behind a high-performance loudspeaker, consisting of a series of air chambers designed to absorb unwanted sound waves
Word Origin for labyrinth
C16: via Latin from Greek
laburinthos, of obscure origin
British Dictionary definitions for labyrinth (2 of 2)
Labyrinth
/ (ˈlæbərɪnθ) /
noun
Greek myth
a huge maze constructed for King Minos in Crete by Daedalus to contain the Minotaur
Medical definitions for labyrinth
labyrinth
[ lăb′ə-rĭnth′ ]
n.
A group of complex interconnecting anatomical cavities.
inner ear
Scientific definitions for labyrinth
labyrinth
[ lăb′ə-rĭnth′ ]
The system of interconnecting canals and spaces that make up the inner ear of many vertebrates. The labyrinth has both a bony component, made up of the cochlea, the semicircular canals, and the vestibule, and a membranous one.
Cultural definitions for labyrinth
Labyrinth
In classical mythology, a vast maze on the island of Crete. The great inventor Daedalus designed it, and the king of Crete kept the Minotaur in it. Very few people ever escaped from the Labyrinth. One was Theseus, the killer of the Minotaur.
notes for Labyrinth
A labyrinth can be literally a maze or figuratively any highly intricate construction or problem.