phoenix
UK: ˈfiːnɪks | US: ˈfiːnɪks
n. a mythical bird that cyclically regenerates or is reborn from its own ashes
n. a person or thing regarded as uniquely remarkable or immortal
The word "phoenix" originates from Greek phoinīx (φοῖνιξ), referring to the legendary bird symbolizing renewal and immortality. It was later adopted into Latin as phoenīx and entered Old English as fenix. The spelling evolved under Latin influence to "phoenix," retaining its mythological connotations. As a loanword, it remains structurally intact without separable morphemes in English.
The phoenix is said to live for centuries before bursting into flames and rising anew.
Her resilience made her a phoenix, constantly reinventing herself after setbacks.
Ancient Egyptian art often depicted the phoenix as a heron-like bird.
The city rebuilt itself like a phoenix after the war.
Scientists jokingly called the rediscovered species a "biological phoenix."