How Do You Spell COLOSSUS?

Pronunciation: [kəlˈɒsəs] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "colossus" is kuh–los-uh s. This word, which comes from Greek mythology, refers to a giant statue or person of great size or importance. Its spelling can be tricky due to the double "s" at the end, which may lead some to believe it should be spelled with a "c". However, the IPA phonetic transcription clarifies the correct pronunciation and spelling of this fascinating word that has captured human imagination for centuries.

COLOSSUS Meaning and Definition

1. A colossus is a term that typically refers to a monumental and towering figure, object or entity. The term originally stems from Greek mythology, where the Colossus of Rhodes was an immense statue representing the Greek god Helios that stood at the entrance of the harbor in the ancient city of Rhodes. Drawing from this imagery, a colossus encompasses the notion of a gigantic and awe-inspiring presence.

   In a broader sense, a colossus denotes anything of great magnitude, power, or dominance. It can describe a person possessing exceptional greatness, whether it be in terms of physical size or intellectual superiority. A colossus can also be used metaphorically to characterize institutions or organizations that exert immense influence, often with a significant impact on society or a particular industry.

   The term colossus can further extend to denote an object or machine of immense proportions, particularly when likened to the physical form of a colossal being. This can encompass structures, such as impressive buildings or bridges that stand out due to their sheer size and grandeur. Additionally, within the realm of technology, a colossus can describe a powerful or revolutionary computing device that has far-reaching capabilities or functions.

   Overall, the concept of a colossus encapsulates the idea of something truly immense, awe-inspiring, and possessing an overwhelming presence, whether in terms of size, power, or influence.

2. A statue of gigantic size.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for COLOSSUS

• collosus
• closses
• colosium
• colossuem
• colossals
• colosus
• colossul
• colossel
• colossol
• collossus
• colorss
• colosseums
• colossum
• mollossus
• Mohossus
• colossas
• colosrous
• colposius
• Calossum
• colisses
• Melossus
• Conussus
• Colosseo
• Colosstrus
• Kolossys
• Nodossus

Etymology of COLOSSUS

The word "colossus" originated from the Latin term "colossus", which in turn is derived from the Greek word "kólossos". The Greek word "kólossos" referred to a large statue or monument, specifically to those colossal statues erected by the ancient Greeks, such as the Colossus of Rhodes. The Greek term itself is believed to have been influenced by the Egyptian "khasut", meaning "the statue of a king" or "the king himself". Over time, the term "colossus" has come to refer to anything of enormous size or significance.

Idioms with the word COLOSSUS

• Colossus of Rhodes The idiom "Colossus of Rhodes" refers to a massive or impressive statue or monument, often used to denote something of extraordinary size, power, strength, or significance. It originates from the legendary statue of the Greek god Helios (the personification of the sun) that once stood in the ancient city of Rhodes in Greece. The Colossus of Rhodes was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and symbolized the grandeur and magnificence of its time.

Similar spelling words for COLOSSUS

• colosseum,
• closes,
• colors,
• Classes.

Plural form of COLOSSUS is COLOSSI OR COLOSSUSES