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

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
  1. any system of interconnecting cavities, esp those comprising the internal ear
  2. 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
[ lăbə-rĭnth′ ]

n.

A group of complex interconnecting anatomical cavities.
inner ear

Scientific definitions for labyrinth

labyrinth
[ lăbə-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.