noun

hecatomb

Hecatomb (noun) means a great public sacrifice to the gods, originally of a hundred oxen; also, a great number of animals reserved for such a sacrifice.

noun

A great public sacrifice to the gods, originally of a hundred oxen; also, a great number of animals reserved for such a sacrifice.

A great public sacrifice in other religions; also, a great number of animals or people reserved for such a sacrifice.

A great number of animals, people, or things that are sacrificed or destroyed; any great sacrifice; also (generally), a large amount.

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Etymology

The noun is a learned borrowing from Latin hecatombē (“great sacrifice of a hundred oxen, hecatomb”), from Ancient Greek ἑκατόμβη (hekatómbē, “great sacrifice of a hundred oxen, hecatomb; any animal sacrifice or large sacrifice”, from ἑκᾰτόν (hekătón, “hundred”) + βοῦς (boûs, “cattle, cow, ox”)). The verb is derived from the noun.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of hecatomb?

"hecatomb" (noun) means a great public sacrifice to the gods, originally of a hundred oxen; also, a great number of animals reserved for such a sacrifice.

What are the different meanings of hecatomb?

"hecatomb" has 3 main meanings: 1. A great public sacrifice to the gods, originally of a hundred oxen; also, a great number of animals reserved for such a sacrifice; 2. A great public sacrifice in other religions; also, a great number of animals or people reserved for such a sacrifice; 3. A great number of animals, people, or things that are sacrificed or destroyed; any great sacrifice; also (generally), a large amount.