See Also: labyrinth(dictionary)
Labyrinth(health)
labyrinth(1)(dictionary)
labyrinth(2)(dictionary)
labyrinth(encyclopedia)
Labyrinth(medicine)
vestibular labyrinth(medicine)
renal labyrinth(medicine)
osseous labyrinth(medicine)
membranous labyrinth(medicine)

labyrinth(1) (iou)



labyrinth noun. LME.
[French labyrinthe or Latin labyrinthus from Greek laburinthos of unkn. origin.]
A structure consisting of a complex network of tunnels, paths, etc., through which it is difficult to find one's way, a maze; spec. (the Labyrinth) in Greek Mythology, the maze constructed by Daedalus to contain the Minotaur. LME.
b. A maze formed by paths bordered by high hedges, usu. as a feature in a garden. E17.
transf. & fig. A complex or confusing situation; an intricate system; a complicated arrangement esp. of streets or buildings. M16.
H. Arendt There are..few guides..through the labyrinth of inarticulate facts. R. Macaulay The real Trebizond..was in the labyrinth of narrow streets.
Anatomy & Zoology. A complex cavity hollowed out of each temporal bone, containing the organs of hearing and balance; the inner ear. Also, any of various other organs of intricate structure, as the accessory respiratory organs of certain fishes. L17.
BONY labyrinth. membranous labyrinth: see MEMBRANOUS adjective 1.
Engineering & Electricity. Any of various devices containing or consisting of winding passages; esp. a series of chambers designed to absorb unwanted vibrations in a loudspeaker. M19.
Comb.: labyrinth fish a fish of the perciform suborder Anabantidae, most members of which (including the gouramis and Siamese fighting fish) have a labyrinth-like accessory breathing organ above the gill chambers.
laby'rinthal adjective (rare) M17.
labyrinthial adjective M16-E18.
laby'rinthian adjective L16.
laby'rinthic adjective M17.
labyrinthical adjective (rare) E17.