Where does “Polyphemus” come from?
Polyphemus derives from Latin Polyphemus, from Ancient Greek Πολύφημος, composed of πολύ- (poly-, many) and φήμη (phēmē, speech or fame), from Proto-Indo-European roots meaning to speak.
Polyphemus (English): A cyclops in Homer's Odyssey
Definitions
- A cyclops in Homer's Odyssey
Ancestry of “Polyphemus”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latin | Polyphemus | Polyphemus, the one-eyed Cyclops in Sicily, son of Neptune, who was blinded by Ulysses in Homer's Odyssey |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | Πολύφημος | — |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | φήμη | prophetic voice, oracle; rumor; reputation |
| 4 | Proto-Hellenic | pʰā́mā | — |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂-meh₂ | — |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂- | to shine, glow light; to speak, say |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂-s-ri- | — |