amphisbaena

2 definitions found

amphisbaena - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Amphisbaena \Am`phis*b[ae]"na\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?; ? on both
     ends + ? to go.]
     1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either
        way. --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) A genus of harmless lizards, serpentlike in form,
        without legs, and with both ends so much alike that they
        appear to have a head at each, and ability to move either
        way. See Illustration in Appendix.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The Gordius aquaticus, or hairworm, has been called
           an amphisbaena; but it belongs among the worms.
           [1913 Webster]

amphisbaena - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  amphisbaena
      n 1: (classical mythology) a serpent with a head at each end of
           its body
      2: type genus of the Amphisbaenidae [syn: Amphisbaena, genus   Amphisbaena
         , Amphisbaenia, genus Amphisbaenia]