Cerberus
/ˈsɜːrbərəs/noun
In Greek mythology, Cerberus is a multi-headed dog that guards the gates of the Underworld.
Did you know?The name Cerberus might derive from a word meaning 'demon' or 'guardian', emphasizing its role as a protector of the dead.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱer
“to be hard, to make strong”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Κέρβερος (Kérberos)
“the fierce, monstrous guardian of the Underworld”
Latin
Latin
Cerberus
“the same, adopted from Greek mythology as the name of the dog”
16th Century
English
Cerberus
“used in English texts to refer to the mythological creature, symbolizing the afterlife and death”