ichneumon
|ich-neum-on|
/ɪkˈnjuːmən/
tracker or hunter
Etymology
'ichneumon' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ikhneumon,' where 'ikhneuein' meant 'to track or hunt.'
'ikhneumon' changed from the Greek word 'ikhneumon' and eventually became the modern English word 'ichneumon'.
Initially, it meant 'tracker or hunter,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings related to specific animals and mythical creatures.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of mongoose found in Africa and southern Europe, known for its ability to hunt snakes.
The ichneumon is often seen as a natural predator of snakes.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a type of parasitic wasp belonging to the family Ichneumonidae, known for laying eggs in or on other insects.
The ichneumon wasp plays a crucial role in controlling pest populations.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/03 13:51