behemoth
UK[bɪˈhiːmɒθ]US[bɪˈhiːməθ]
n
something enormous, especially a large and powerful organization
n
a huge or monstrous creature
Etymology
the word 'behemoth' entered english in the late 14th century via latin and late latin from the hebrew plural form 'bəhēmōth', which is an intensive plural of 'bəhēmāh' meaning 'beast, animal'. it was popularized by its appearance in the book of job in the bible, where it names a colossal, powerful creature, often interpreted as a hippopotamus or a mythical beast. this specific biblical usage imbued the word with its core sense of immense size and power. over time, it secularized into a general term for anything of gigantic scale or formidable strength, such as a corporation or machine.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from hebrew, adopted as a whole into english. it does not contain separable morphemes within the english spelling system.
Examples
the new aircraft carrier is a behemoth of the seas.
the tech behemoth dominates the global market.
clearing the bureaucratic behemoth was a daunting task.