amazon
UK[ˈæməz(ə)n]US[ˈæməzɑːn]
n
A member of a legendary race of female warriors believed by the ancient Greeks to live near the Black Sea.
n
(often amazon) A very tall, strong, or athletic woman.
n
(Amazon) A major river in South America, flowing through Brazil and Peru, and the largest in the world by discharge volume.
n
(Amazon) A large online retailer and technology company.
Etymology
The word originates from Greek mythology, where the 'Amazones' were a nation of female warriors. The ancient Greeks likely derived the name from folk etymology, interpreting it as 'a-' (without) + 'mazos' (breast), linking it to a legendary practice of removing a breast to better wield a bow, though this is a speculative and later explanation. The name was later applied to the South American river by Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana in the 16th century, after reporting battles with female warriors along its banks. In the modern era, the name was adopted for the technology corporation, evoking connotations of vast scale, power, and a formidable marketplace.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from Greek via Latin. It does not contain separable morphemes in its modern English spelling.
Examples
Ancient myths often describe an Amazon as a formidable opponent in battle.
She was an amazon of a woman, towering over her competitors on the basketball court.
The Amazon rainforest is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life.