Tantalus

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun

English

Etymology

Latin Tantalus, from Greek Τανταλος ‘Tantalus’, a Phrygian king in Greek mythology who was condemned to stand in a pool of water which receded every time he tried to drink, and with overhanging branches of fruit which pulled back whever he tried to eat.

Pronunciation

IPA: /'tæntələs/

Noun

Singular tantalus

Plural tantaluses

1. A stork of the genus Mycteria (formerly Tantalus), especially the American wood ibis, Mycteria americana
2. a stand in which to lock up drinks decanters which keeping them visible

   • 1904: Yes, there was a tantalus containing brandy and whisky on the sea-chest. — Arthur Conan Doyle, ‘The Adventure of Black Peter’ (Norton 2005, p.984)