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noun

Chimera

kuh-ih-MEER-ruh

Chimera (noun) means an organism, plan, or idea made up of very different or clashing parts, especially one that is unrealistic. Example: “The proposed merger was dismissed as a corporate chimera that would never work.”

noun
1
An organism, plan, or idea made up of very different or clashing parts, especially one that is unrealistic.
"The proposed merger was dismissed as a corporate chimera that would never work."
"In biology, a chimera is an organism containing two genetically distinct sets of cells."

How to use Chimera

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething made of mismatched pieces, or an idea that sounds impossible or fantastical.

Memory tip

Outside biology, "chimera" usually means an unrealistic hope or a mixed-up combination of things.

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The proposed merger was dismissed as a corporate _____ that would never work.

Etymology

From the Chimera of Greek myth, a fire-breathing monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail.

Origin: Greek

Related words

Rhymes for Chimera

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Chimera” mean?

The word “Chimera” means an organism, plan, or idea made up of very different or clashing parts, especially one that is unrealistic. In plain terms, something made of mismatched pieces, or an idea that sounds impossible or fantastical.

How do you pronounce “Chimera”?

“Chimera” is pronounced kuh-ih-MEER-ruh (/kaɪˈmɪɹə/ in IPA).

How do you use “Chimera” in a sentence?

Here is “Chimera” used in a sentence: “The proposed merger was dismissed as a corporate chimera that would never work.”

What part of speech is “Chimera”?

“Chimera” is a noun.

Where does the word “Chimera” come from?

The word “Chimera” comes from Greek. From the Chimera of Greek myth, a fire-breathing monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail.

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