Hamadryads

/ˌhæməˈdraɪædz/ noun

Definition

Plural of hamadryad; either multiple tree nymphs from mythology or multiple species of large venomous snakes found in Southeast Asian forests.

Etymology

English plural of hamadryad, formed by adding -s, conflating the mythological and zoological meanings of the word.

Kelly Says

The fact that both a mythological forest spirit and a highly venomous snake share the same name shows how older words get recycled—the snake earned its name by living in the forests where those ancient myths imagined tree nymphs dancing.

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