chimera
UK[kaɪˈmɪərə]US[kaɪˈmɪrə]
n
a thing that is hoped or wished for but is in fact illusory or impossible to achieve.
n
(in greek mythology) a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail.
Etymology
the word 'chimera' originates from the ancient greek 'khimaira', meaning 'she-goat' or 'monster'. in greek mythology, the chimera was a specific composite beast, a vivid symbol of the impossible made flesh. the term was adopted into latin as 'chimaera' and entered english in the late 14th century, initially denoting the mythological creature. by the 16th century, its meaning had extended metaphorically to describe any fantastical conception or vain, foolish fancy, solidifying its modern sense of an illusory or unattainable hope.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from latin, which borrowed it from greek. it is treated as a simplex unit in english.
Examples
the plan to build a city on the ocean was dismissed as a chimera.
the artist's painting depicted a terrifying chimera from ancient lore.
his dream of uniting the rival factions proved to be a political chimera.