ACHILLES Meaning and
Definition
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Achilles, in Greek mythology, holds multiple meanings and is widely recognized as a prominent figure. Firstly, Achilles refers to a mythological hero and pivotal character during the Trojan War. The son of the sea-nymph Thetis and the mortal Peleus, Achilles is renowned for his exceptional strength, valor, and invulnerability, except for his heel, which becomes his fatal weakness. As the leader of the Myrmidons, he played a crucial role in the epic conflict between the Greeks and Trojans. His presence in The Iliad, an ancient epic attributed to Homer, exemplifies his unparalleled martial prowess and his internal struggles with pride, anger, and the inexorable fate that awaits him.
Secondly, "Achilles" often alludes to the Achilles tendon, which derives its name from the hero himself. This strong fibrous bond located at the back of the ankle connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus). It is essential for movement, allowing the foot to flex and aid in activities such as walking, running, and jumping. The Achilles tendon, occasionally prone to injuries or inflammation, holds a crucial role in the human body's biomechanics.
Lastly, the term "Achilles" is also used metaphorically to depict an individual's greatest vulnerability or weak point. This notion stems from the legend's narrative, where Achilles' invincibility is ultimately defeated by a small, seemingly insignificant body part, his heel. Hence, referring to someone's "Achilles heel" implies identifying their most susceptible area or aspect, be it physical, emotional, or conceptual, which may lead to their downfall or difficulties.
Top Common Misspellings for ACHILLES *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ACHILLES
Etymology of ACHILLES
The word "Achilles" has its etymology rooted in ancient Greek mythology. It is derived from the Greek name "Achilleus" (Ἀχιλλεύς), which itself has uncertain origins. However, it is commonly believed to have been derived from the Greek word "akhos" (ἄχος), meaning "grief" or "pain", combined with the word "laos" (λαός), meaning "people" or "warriors". Therefore, Achilles can be interpreted as "the grief of the people" or "he who causes grief to the people". Achilles is a renowned hero in Greek mythology, known for his role in the Trojan War as described in Homer's epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Idioms with the word ACHILLES
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Achilles heel
The idiom "Achilles heel" refers to a person's vulnerable or weak point. It originates from Greek mythology, where Achilles, a legendary warrior, was invulnerable except for his heel, which ultimately led to his downfall when it was struck by an arrow. Hence, the term signifies a person's most susceptible or easily exploited area.
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an Achilles heel
The idiom "an Achilles heel" refers to a person's vulnerability or weak point. It originates from Greek mythology, where the warrior Achilles was invulnerable, except for his heel, which led to his downfall when it was struck by an arrow. Hence, it commonly represents a person's one area of weakness or susceptibility in an otherwise strong character or situation.
Similar spelling words for ACHILLES
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