polycephalous
|po-ly-ceph-a-lous|
🇺🇸
/ˌpɑlɪˈsɛfələs/
🇬🇧
/ˌpɒlɪˈsɛfələs/
many-headed
Etymology
'polycephalous' originates from Greek/Neo-Latin, specifically from Greek elements 'poly-' + 'kephalē' (via New Latin 'polycephalus'), where 'poly-' meant 'many' and 'kephalē' meant 'head'.
'polycephalous' developed from Greek πολυ- (poly-) + κεφαλή (kephalē) into New Latin 'polycephalus' and then into English as 'polycephalous', preserving the original compound meaning.
Initially, it meant 'many-headed' in literal, anatomical or mythological contexts; over time it retained that literal sense and also gained figurative use meaning 'having multiple centers of authority'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having more than one head; many-headed (used of animals, mythological creatures, or anatomical conditions).
The legend spoke of a polycephalous beast whose three heads could speak separately.
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Adjective 2
characterized by having multiple centers of authority or leadership; many-headed in a figurative/organizational sense.
The company was effectively polycephalous, with regional directors making independent strategic decisions.
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Last updated: 2025/12/04 08:16