English
Etymology
Latin Tantalus, from Greek Ταν�αλο� �w:Tantalus|Tantalus�, a Phrygian king in Greek mythology who was condemned to stand in a pool of water which receded every time he tried to drink, and with overhanging branches of fruit which pulled back whever he tried to eat.

Pronunciation
IPA|/�tænt�l�s/

Noun
en-noun|es

1. A stork of the genus Mycteria (formerly Tantalus), especially the American wood ibis, Mycteria americana.
2. A stand in which to lock up drink decanters while keeping them visible.

#:*1904: Yes, there was a tantalus containing brandy and whisky on the sea-chest. � Arthur Conan Doyle, �The Adventure of Black Peter� (Norton 2005, p.984)

1. Something of an evasive or retreating nature, something consistently out of reach; a tantalising thing.

#:*1953: Over all, there brooded the shadow of his injuries and the tantalus of their slow healing. � Ian Fleming, Casino Royale (Penguin Classics 2004, p.149)

See also
Tantalus

ru:tantalus
vi:tantalus

• 2007-01-27 06:04 - Sewnmouthsecret -

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