many-headed
|man-y-head-ed|
/ˈmɛniˌhɛdɪd/
having multiple heads
Etymology
'many-headed' originates from English, specifically from the words 'many' and 'head', where 'many' ultimately comes from Old English 'manig' meaning 'many/much' and 'head' comes from Old English 'heafod' meaning 'head'.
'many-headed' was formed in Modern English as a compound of 'many' + the past-participial adjective-forming element from 'head' + '-ed' (i.e., 'headed'), combining to mean 'having many heads'.
Initially formed to mean 'having many heads' (literal), and this basic meaning has been preserved; later the compound also developed figurative uses meaning 'having many parts/leaders/aspects'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having many heads (literal), as of a mythological creature or an animal with more than one head.
The many-headed hydra struck at the hero with all of its heads.
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Adjective 2
figuratively, having many leaders, centers of power, branches, or aspects; composed of many separate parts or authorities.
The coalition was many-headed, with different factions making decisions in their own regions.
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Last updated: 2025/12/04 01:04