labyrinth
lab·y·rinth
noun \ˈla-bə-ˌrin(t)th, -rən(t)th\Definition of LABYRINTH
1
a : a place constructed of or full of intricate passageways and blind alleys b : a maze (as in a garden) formed by paths separated by high hedges
2
: something extremely complex or tortuous in structure, arrangement, or character : intricacy, perplexity <a labyrinth of swamps and channels> <guided them through the labyrinths of city life — Paul Blanshard>
3
: a tortuous anatomical structure; especially : the internal ear or its bony or membranous part
See Examples of LABYRINTH
- a complex labyrinth of tunnels and chambers
- The cockpit was a labyrinth of instruments and controls.
- a labyrinth of social customs and rules
Origin of LABYRINTH
Middle English laborintus, from Latin labyrinthus, from Greek labyrinthos
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to LABYRINTH
Related Words: meander; jungle, quagmire; catacomb, cat's cradle, knot, snarl, tangle, web; entanglement, entrapment, snare, trap
Other Architecture Terms
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