English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word chimera in English

What does chimera mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

chimera

US /kaɪˈmer.ə, kaɪˈmɪr.ə/
UK /kaɪˈmer.ə, kaɪˈmɪr.ə/
"chimera" picture

Noun

1.

a mythical, fire-breathing monster, commonly represented as a combination of a lion, goat, and serpent

Example:
•
The ancient Greek myth tells of a hero who defeated the fearsome chimera.
•
The artist sculpted a grotesque chimera with multiple animal features.
Synonym:
monstermythical beasthybrid creature
2.

a thing that is hoped or wished for but is in fact illusory or impossible to achieve

Example:
•
World peace often seems like a beautiful chimera.
•
His dream of becoming a rock star turned out to be a mere chimera.
Synonym:
illusionfantasydelusionpipe dreamutopia
3.

an individual organism, organ, or part consisting of tissues of diverse genetic constitution

Example:
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Scientists created a genetic chimera by combining cells from two different species.
•
The plant was a chimera, with leaves from one variety and flowers from another.
Synonym:
mosaichybridgraft
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