amphisbaena Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (classical mythology) a serpent with a head at each end of its body
  2. noun type genus of the Amphisbaenidae
    genus Amphisbaenia; Amphisbaenia; genus Amphisbaena.

WordNet

Am`phis*bæ"na noun (Also<
  • Amphisbaena
  • Amphisbæna
)
Etymology
L., fr. Gr. on both ends + to go.
Definitions
  1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either way. Milton.
  2. (Zoöl.) A genus of harmless lizards, serpentlike in form, without legs, and with both ends so much alike that they appear to have a head at each, and ability to move either way. See Illustration in Appendix. ✍ The Gordius aquaticus, or hairworm, has been called an amphisbæna; but it belongs among the worms.

Webster 1913