noun
Chimera
kuh-ih-MEER-ruh
noun
1
An organism, plan, or idea made up of very different or clashing parts, especially one that is unrealistic.
"The proposed merger was dismissed as a corporate chimera that would never work."
"In biology, a chimera is an organism containing two genetically distinct sets of cells."
How to Use Chimera
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething made of mismatched pieces, or an idea that sounds impossible or fantastical.
Memory tip
Outside biology, "chimera" usually means an unrealistic hope or a mixed-up combination of things.
Trace the full origin ↓
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “Chimera”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The proposed merger was dismissed as a corporate _____ that would never work.
Etymology
From the Chimera of Greek myth, a fire-breathing monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail.