Μέδουσα
Médousa/ˈmeðusa/feminine
The English name Medusa is translated into Greek as Μέδουσα (Médousa).
The term is used to refer to one of the Gorgons in Greek mythology. It can also function as a common noun for a cnidarian.
Meaning: one of the Gorgons (name)
Which one should you use?
The capitalized form Μέδουσα is a proper noun used specifically to refer to the mythological figure. The lowercase form μέδουσα is used as a common noun.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to jellyfish in the plural, the form μέδουσες is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is Médousa. The IPA is /ˈmeðusa/.
Did you know?
- The word μέδουσα shares a root with the Greek verb μέδω, meaning 'to rule' or 'to protect'. In this sense, the name 'Medusa' likely originally meant 'guardian' or 'protectress' rather than a monster.
- The image of the Μέδουσα was used as an 'apotropaic' symbol in Ancient Greece. People placed her image on doors and shields to ward off evil and protect the owner.
- In modern Greek, μέδουσα is the standard word for 'jellyfish'. This is because the long, trailing tentacles of the animal resemble the snakes that make up the hair of the mythological Μέδουσα.
Examples in context
- Στον πίνακα απεικονίζεται η Μέδουσα.Ston pínaki apieikonísetai i Médousa.Medusa is depicted in the painting.
- Η Μέδουσα έχει μαλλιά σαν φίδια.I Médousa échei malliá san fídia.Medusa has hair like snakes.
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are discussing Greek mythology in a classroom.
- Μαρία MariaΝίκο, ξέρεις ποια ήταν η Μέδουσα;Niko, kseireis poia itan i Medousa?Nikos, do you know who Medusa was?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, ήταν μια από τις Γόργονες.Nai, itan mia apo tis Gorgones.Yes, she was one of the Gorgons.
- Μαρία MariaΠώς την νίκησε ο Περσέας;Pos tin nikise o Perseas?How did Perseus defeat her?
- Νίκος NikosΧρησιμοποίησε έναν καθρέφτη για τη Μέδουσα.Chrisimopoiise enan kathrefti gia ti Medousa.He used a mirror for Medusa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “medusa” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry μέδουσα.
