multi-headed
|mul-ti-head-ed|
/ˌmʌltiˈhɛdɪd/
having many heads / multiple leaders
Etymology
'multi-' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'multus' meaning 'much' or 'many', combined with English 'head' (from Old English 'heafod') plus the adjectival suffix '-ed'.
'multi-' came into English as a productive combining form from Latin 'multus' via Medieval/Modern Latin and learned borrowing; 'head' changed from Old English 'heafod' to Middle English 'hed/heed' and then modern English 'head', and the suffix '-ed' forms adjectives indicating 'having' or 'characterized by' (e.g., 'two-headed'). The compound 'multi-headed' is a modern productive formation combining the prefix and the adjective 'headed'.
Initially, 'multi-' meant 'many' and 'head' referred only to a physical head; over time the compound has retained the literal meaning but also extended figuratively to mean 'having multiple leaders/centers'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having more than one head (literally), as in mythology or biology.
The myth told of a multi-headed serpent that guarded the gate.
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Adjective 2
having multiple leaders, centers of authority, or distinct heads (figuratively); divided leadership or multiple controlling parts.
The company became multi-headed after the merger, with several departments operating semi-independently.
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Last updated: 2025/12/04 00:53