pythoness

noun

py·​tho·​ness ˈpī-thə-nəs How to pronounce pythoness (audio) ˈpi- How to pronounce pythoness (audio)
1
: a woman who practices divination
2
: a prophetic priestess of Apollo
pythonic
pī-ˈthä-nik How to pronounce pythoness (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Phitonesse, from Middle French pithonisse, from Late Latin pythonissa, from Greek Pythōn, spirit of divination, perhaps from Pythō, seat of the Delphic oracle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pythoness was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pythoness

python

pythoness

pythonid

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Pythoness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pythoness. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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