harpy
Other forms: harpies
A harpy is a monster from Greek mythology. A harpy has the head and upper body of a woman and the wings and lower body of a bird.
In Greek mythology, harpies were creatures who were sent by Zeus during storms to do his bidding. When a person or an object went missing, the disappearance was often blamed on harpies. The word harpy comes from a Greek word meaning "snatcher." Today, the word harpy is often used as a derogatory term for a very unpleasant woman.
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any of various fruit bats of the genus Nyctimene distinguished by nostrils drawn out into diverging tubessynonyms: harpy bat, tube-nosed bat, tube-nosed fruit bat
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large black-and-white crested eagle of tropical Americasynonyms: Harpia harpyja, harpy eagletype of:bird of Jove, eagleany of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
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a malicious woman with a fierce temper
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Vocabulary lists containing harpy
As you read Part 1 of Robert Fitzgerald's translation of Homer's "The Odyssey," learn this word list. Here are links to lists for texts in Grade 9's Collection 6: elements of an epic, The Odyssey, Part 1, The Odyssey, Part 2, The Cruelest Journey, The Real Reasons We Explore Space
If learning about the ancient world feels like a herculean task, review these terms related to Greek and Roman mythology. This epic list will take you on an odyssey through the classical world, where you'll encounter gods and goddesses, all-knowing oracles, and legendary creatures like the centaur.
If learning about the ancient world feels like a herculean task, review these terms related to Greek and Roman mythology. This epic list will take you on an odyssey through the classical world, where you'll encounter gods and goddesses, all-knowing oracles, and legendary creatures like the centaur.