World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesGreif
Pronunciation / Transliteration: ɡʁaɪf
"Der Greif ist ein Fabelwesen mit dem Körper eines Löwen."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A mythical creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and sometimes an eagle's talons as front feet.
"Ancient stone sculptures of a griffin guarded the entrance to the medieval fortress." - 2
A person of mixed European and Asian ancestry, particularly in historical colonial contexts.
"The historical records from the settlement frequently made mention of the local griffin population."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin gryphus, which stems from the Ancient Greek gryps (γρύψ), ultimately likely originating from a Near Eastern source related to the Hebrew kerub or Akkadian karūbu. The term entered Middle English via Old French grifon, maintaining its mythological significance as a majestic creature combining the body of a lion with the head and wings of an eagle.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Griffin"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Griffin" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
griffon
Transliteration: ɡʁifɔ̃
"Le griffon est une créature mythique avec un corps de lion."
Greif
Transliteration: ɡʁaɪf
"Der Greif ist ein Fabelwesen mit dem Körper eines Löwen."
grifone
Transliteration: ɡriˈfoːne
"Il grifone è una creatura leggendaria della mitologia classica."
grifón
Transliteration: ɡɾiˈfon
"El grifón aparece frecuentemente en la heráldica medieval."
grifo
Transliteration: ˈɡɾifu
"O grifo é uma criatura lendária com asas de águia."
ग्रिफिन
Transliteration: grifin
"ग्रिफिन एक पौराणिक प्राणी है जिसका शरीर शेर का होता है।"
狮鹫
Transliteration: shī jiù
"狮鹫是西方神话中的一种带翼神兽。"
그리핀
Transliteration: geuripin
"그리핀은 사자의 몸과 독수리의 머리를 가진 전설의 동물이다."
グリフォン
Transliteration: gurifon
"グリフォンはライオンの胴体とワシの頭を持つ神話の生物です。"
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