Cyclops
/ˈsaɪ.klɒps/noun
In Greek mythology, a Cyclops is one of a race of giant one-eyed beings; by extension, the word can also mean a one-eyed creature or something with a single central eye or lens.
Did you know?The name comes from Greek *kyklōps*, and ancient writers used it for mythic giants whose one eye made them feel less like monsters and more like living symbols of concentrated, unnatural sight.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kʷel-
“to turn, revolve”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kyklos
“circle, wheel”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ops
“eye, face”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kyklōps
“a one-eyed giant; literally 'round-eye'”
Late Latin
Latin
cyclops
“Cyclops, the mythological one-eyed giant”
Modern English
English
cyclops
“a Cyclops; a one-eyed creature or device with one central eye”