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labyrinth

Syllabification: (lab·y·rinth)
Pronunciation: /ˈlab(ə)ˌrinTH/
Translate labyrinth | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of labyrinth

noun

  • 1a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one’s way; a maze:a labyrinth of passages and secret chambers
  • an intricate and confusing arrangement:a labyrinth of conflicting laws and regulations
  • 2 Anatomy a complex structure in the inner ear that contains the organs of hearing and balance. It consists of bony cavities (the bony labyrinth) filled with fluid and lined with sensitive membranes (the membranous labyrinth).
  • Zoology an organ of intricate structure, in particular the accessory respiratory organs of certain fishes.

Derivatives

labyrinthian

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English (referring to the maze constructed by Daedalus to house the Minotaur): from French labyrinthe or Latin labyrinthus, from Greek laburinthos

Spell labyrinth with -byr- in the middle.a labyrinth of baffling Yorkshire roads.

labyrinth in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of labyrinth in the British & World English dictionary
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