AMPHISBAENAE

AMPHISBAENA

Amphisbaena, genus Amphisbaena, Amphisbaenia, genus Amphisbaenia

(noun) type genus of the Amphisbaenidae

amphisbaena

(noun) (classical mythology) a serpent with a head at each end of its body

Source: WordNet® 3.1

AMPHISBAENA

Am`phis*bæ"na, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.

1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either way. Milton.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: A genus of harmless lizards, serpentlike in form, without legs, and with both ends so much alike that they appear to have a head at each, and ability to move either way. See Illustration in Appendix.

Note: The Gordius aquaticus, or hairworm, has been called an amphisbæna; but it belongs among the worms.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition