multiheaded
|mul-ti-head-ed|
/ˌmʌltiˈhɛdɪd/
having many heads
Etymology
'multiheaded' originates from a combination: the prefix 'multi-' from Latin 'multus' meaning 'many', combined with English 'head' (from Old English 'heafod') meaning 'head'.
'multi-' entered English as a combining form from Latin (via medieval Latin and Old French influences), while 'head' evolved from Old English 'heafod' to Middle English forms (e.g. 'hed') and then to modern English 'head'; the compound 'multi-headed' is formed by joining these elements in modern English.
Initially used literally to mean 'having many heads'; over time it has also come to be used figuratively to mean 'having multiple leaders or centers of authority'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having more than one head (literal, biological).
The mythical beast was multiheaded, its many heads snapping at anything that approached.
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Adjective 2
having multiple leaders, centers of authority, or decision-making heads (figurative).
After the merger the organization became increasingly multiheaded, with several departments making independent strategic choices.
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Last updated: 2025/12/04 08:24