noun
harpy
A predatory mythological monster with a woman's head and a bird's body.
The harpy spreads her wings and snatches food from the table.
Etymology
The Greek name concerns snatching. The mythical creature is named for its violent seizure of people or things, matching its predatory, birdlike form.
More examples
- In the Greek myth, harpies steal the king's food.
- The ancient vase shows a harpy with a woman's head and a bird's body.
- A flock of harpies circles above the terrified travelers.
Forms
harpy · harpies