Sphingiform
/ˈsfɪn.dʒɪ.fɔːrm/noun
Resembling a sphinx in form or appearance.
Did you know?Sphingiform is built from Greek *sphinx* plus Latin *-formis* (“shaped like”), so it’s a hybrid word that fuses a monster of mystery with a word-form for physical shape.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
sphinx
“A mythical creature with a human head and animal body, famous for riddles and dangerous wisdom.”
Latin
Latin
sphinx
“A sphinx; the monster was borrowed into Latin from Greek.”
Late Latin
Latin
-formis
“Having the form or shape of.”
Middle English
English
sphinx
“The sphinx, especially the Egyptian or mythological figure.”
Modern English
English
sphingiform
“Resembling a sphinx in form or appearance.”