amphisbaena

am·phis·bae·na  (mfs-bn)

n.

A mythical serpent having a head at each end of its body.

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[Middle English amphibena, from Latin amphisbaena, from Greek amphisbaina : amphis, both ways (from amphi-, amphi-) + bainein, to go; see g^w- in Indo-European roots.]

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amphis·baenic adj.

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amphisbaena [ˌæmfɪsˈbiːnə]

n pl -nae [-niː], -nas

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any worm lizard of the genus Amphisbaena

2. (Myth & Legend / Classical Myth & Legend) Classical myth a poisonous serpent having a head at each end and able to move forwards or backwards

[via Latin from Greek amphisbaina, from amphis both ways + bainein to go]

amphisbaenic  adj

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	amphisbaena - (classical mythology) a serpent with a head at each end of its body classical mythology - the system of mythology of the Greeks and Romans together; much of Roman mythology (especially the gods) was borrowed from the Greeks mythical creature, mythical monster - a monster renowned in folklore and myth
	2.	Amphisbaena - type genus of the Amphisbaenidae Amphisbaenia, genus Amphisbaena, genus Amphisbaenia reptile genus - a genus of reptiles worm lizard - a lizard of the genus Amphisbaena; harmless wormlike limbless lizard of warm or tropical regions having concealed eyes and ears and a short blunt tail