c. 1400, laberynthe (late 14c. in Latinate form laborintus) "labyrinth, maze," figuratively "bewildering arguments," from Latin labyrinthus, from Greek labyrinthos "maze, large building with intricate passages," especially the structure built by Daedelus to hold the Minotaur near Knossos in Crete, from a pre-Greek language; perhaps related to Lydian labrys "double-edged axe," symbol of royal power, which fits with the theory that the labyrinth was originally the royal Minoan palace on Crete and meant "palace of the double-axe." Used in English for "maze" early 15c., and in figurative sense of "confusing state of affairs" (1540s).
雙語例句
1. They found a labyrinth of tunnels under the ground.
他們發現了一處迷宮似的地道。
來自柯林斯例句
2. We lost our way in the labyrinth of streets.
我們在迷宮式的街道上迷了路。
來自《權威詞典》
3. He wandered through the labyrinth of the alleyways.
他在迷宮似的小巷中閑逛.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
4. The badger sett had twelve entrances to what must have been a labyrinth of tunnels.
這個獾穴有12個入口,下面必定有一套錯綜復雜的地道.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
5. But Hester could not resolve the query , using herself in a dismal labyrinth of doubt.