alcmaeon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+Academic, literary, historical, technical
Quick answer
What does “alcmaeon” mean?
A figure in Greek mythology, son of Amphiaraus and Eriphyle, known for killing his mother to avenge his father and for his subsequent madness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A figure in Greek mythology, son of Amphiaraus and Eriphyle, known for killing his mother to avenge his father and for his subsequent madness.
In historical contexts, can refer to a member of the ancient noble Athenian family, the Alcmaeonidae, prominent in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. In medicine/anatomy, sometimes used for Alcmaeon of Croton, an early Greek medical theorist and philosopher.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Pronunciation may follow regional patterns for Greek-derived words.
Connotations
Connotes classical scholarship, mythology, or ancient history in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic contexts due to traditional classical education, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “alcmaeon” in a Sentence
[Alcmaeon] + [verb e.g., killed, fled, was cursed]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alcmaeon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Alcmaeonid influence on Athenian politics was profound.
American English
- Alcmaeonid connections helped shape early Athenian democracy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in classics, ancient history, mythology, and history of medicine courses and texts.
Everyday
Almost never used.
Technical
May appear in specialized historical or philological discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alcmaeon”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alcmaeon”
- Misspelling as 'Alcmaeion', 'Alcmeon', or 'Alkmaeon'.
- Using it as a common noun.
- Incorrectly pronouncing the 'c' as /k/ alone; it's part of the cluster /lk/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency proper noun from Greek mythology and history, encountered almost exclusively in academic or specialist contexts.
The most common pronunciation is /ælkˈmiːən/ (alk-MEE-uhn), with the stress on the second syllable. The 'c' is silent as part of the 'lc' cluster.
The derived form 'Alcmaeonid' (referring to the family) is used as an adjective, e.g., 'Alcmaeonid lineage'. 'Alcmaeon' itself is only a proper noun.
The story is found in various ancient sources, including the epic cycle (the *Thebaid*), later mythographers like Apollodorus, and is referenced by tragedians.
A figure in Greek mythology, son of Amphiaraus and Eriphyle, known for killing his mother to avenge his father and for his subsequent madness.
Alcmaeon is usually academic, literary, historical, technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Alc' sounds like 'elk' - an elk named 'Meon' (sounds like 'mean') who was involved in an ancient family feud.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Proper noun).
Practice
Quiz
Alcmaeon is primarily known as...