Amphisbaena - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Amphisbaena : (noun)
1: (classical mythology) a serpent with a head at each end of its body
2: type genus of the Amphisbaenidae [syn: Amphisbaena, genus Amphisbaena, Amphisbaenia, genus Amphisbaenia]

Based on WordNet 2.0

Amphisbaena : \Am`phis*b[ae]"na\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?; ? on both ends _ ? to go.] 1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either way. --Milton.

2. (Zo["o]l.) 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.

Note: The Gordius aquaticus, or hairworm, has been called an amphisb[ae]na; but it belongs among the worms.

Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)