Sphingian
/ˈsfɪndʒiən/noun
Relating to a sphinx or having the character of a sphinx.
Did you know?Sphingian is built on the Greek root for the Sphinx, the monster who tested travelers with riddles; in classical tradition, the creature’s name became a symbol of deadly, secret knowledge.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
sphinx, sphing-
“the Sphinx; a mythical riddling monster”
Latin
Lat
sphinx, sphingis
“the Sphinx, used in learned borrowing”
Late Latin / New Latin
LL/New Lat
sphingianus
“pertaining to the Sphinx”
19th Century
English
sphingian
“pertaining to a sphinx; sphinx-like”
Modern English
English
sphingian
“relating to or resembling a sphinx”
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