Background for chimaera

chimaera

/kaɪˈmɪərə/ /kɪˈmɪərə/

Illustration chimaera - Image 1

noun

A cartilaginous marine fish in the subclass Holocephali and especially the order Chimaeriformes, with a blunt snout, long tail, and a spine before the first dorsal fin

Examples :

"During a research trip to the deep sea, the marine biologists spotted a chimaera, its long tail and strange snout unmistakable even in the dim light. "

fish animal biology ocean nature

Illustration chimaera - Image 1

noun

Alternative letter-case form of Chimera (a flame-spewing monster often represented as having two heads, one of a goat and the other of a lion; the body of a goat; and a serpent as a tail).

Examples :

"The art student sculpted a fantastical chimaera with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a snake for a tail. "

mythology animal body literature being

Illustration chimaera - Image 1

noun

Any fantastic creature with parts from different animals.

Examples :

"The mythical griffin, with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, is a classic example of a chimaera. "

mythology animal literature

Illustration chimaera - Image 1

noun

Anything composed of very disparate parts.

Examples :

"The car which he built himself was a real chimera: half Volkswagen and half Porsche."

mythology literature character being thing

Illustration chimaera - Image 1

noun

A foolish, incongruous, or vain thought or product of the imagination.

Examples :

"His grand plan to become a famous rock star by next Tuesday was simply a chimaera, divorced from reality. "

mind philosophy character literature mythology

Illustration chimaera - Image 1

noun

A grotesque like a gargoyle, but without a spout for rainwater.

Examples :

"The building's facade was decorated with various stone figures, including a fearsome chimaera perched on the corner, its snarling face and bat-like wings making it look like a gargoyle without the practical function of draining water. "

mythology art architecture

Illustration chimaera - Image 1

noun

An organism with genetically distinct cells originating from two or more zygotes.

Examples :

"After her bone marrow transplant, the patient became a chimaera, with some of her blood cells originating from her own DNA and others from her donor. "

organism biology medicine

Illustration chimaera - Image 1

noun

Usually chimaera: a cartilaginous marine fish in the subclass Holocephali and especially the order Chimaeriformes, with a blunt snout, long tail, and a spine before the first dorsal fin.

Examples :

"During the aquarium visit, the children were fascinated by the strange-looking chimaera, with its long tail and unusual spine. "

fish animal ocean biology