bicephalous
|bi-ceph-a-lous|
/baɪˈsɛfələs/
two-headed
Etymology
'bicephalous' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'bicephalus', where 'bi-' meant 'two' and 'cephal-' (from Greek 'kephalē') meant 'head'.
'bicephalous' changed from Neo-/Medieval Latin 'bicephalus' (formed from Latin 'bi-' + Greek 'kēphalē') and ultimately entered English as 'bicephalous' through learned borrowing.
Initially, it meant 'having two heads' in a literal, anatomical sense; over time it has also been used figuratively to mean 'having two leaders or centers of authority.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having two heads; literally possessing two anatomical heads.
A bicephalous snake was displayed at the natural history exhibit.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
having two leaders or two centers of authority; dual-headed (used of governments, organizations, or institutions).
The corporation adopted a bicephalous management structure with co-CEOs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/12 20:01