titan
UK: ˈtaɪtən | US: ˈtaɪtən
n. 1. (Greek mythology) Any of the primordial giant gods who ruled before the Olympians.
n. 2. A person or thing of enormous size, strength, intellect, or influence.
n. 3. (Chemistry, archaic) A former term for titanium, derived from its mythical association with strength.
The word "titan" originates directly from Greek Titan (Τιτάν), the name of the primordial deities in Greek mythology known for their colossal size and power. The term was later adopted into Latin as Titan and entered English in the 16th century, retaining its association with immense scale or strength. The chemical element titanium (discovered in 1791) was named after the Titans due to the metal's durability.
In Greek myths, the Titans were overthrown by Zeus and the Olympian gods.
The skyscraper stood like a titan among the city’s smaller buildings.
Shakespeare’s plays feature titans of human emotion like Hamlet and Macbeth.
The athlete was a titan in his sport, breaking records for decades.
Early chemists referred to titanium as "titan" before its official naming.