noun

Chimera

kuh-ih-MEER-ruh

Quiz me More like this

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

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.

Trace the full origin ↓

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like Chimera.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “Chimera” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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

Synonyms

View more →

Chimaera

Antonyms

reality verity monolith fact

Related words

world fact truth opinion dream reality lie realize

Rhymes for Chimera

era vera Hera Sera Pera opera Kiera camera Rivera Valera cholera riviera

See all rhymes for Chimera →

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.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include Chimera:

Words with Greek origins

People also searched

world fact truth opinion dream reality lie realize