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).
双语例句
1. They found a labyrinth of tunnels under the ground.
他们发现了一处迷宫似的地道。
来自柯林斯例句
2. We lost our way in the labyrinth of streets.
我们在迷宫式的街道上迷了路。
来自《权威词典》
3. He wandered through the labyrinth of the alleyways.
他在迷宫似的小巷中闲逛.
来自《简明英汉词典》
4. The badger sett had twelve entrances to what must have been a labyrinth of tunnels.
这个獾穴有12个入口,下面必定有一套错综复杂的地道.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. But Hester could not resolve the query , using herself in a dismal labyrinth of doubt.