noun
colossus
kuh-LOS-uhs
noun
1
A statue of enormous size, especially referring to famous ancient examples like the Colossus of Rhodes.
"The ancient colossus once stood at the harbor entrance, said to tower over passing ships."
2
A person or thing of enormous size, power, or influence.
"The company grew into a colossus of the tech industry."
How to Use Colossus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) of gigantic size or towering influence.
Common pairings
a colossus of
towering colossus
Word Forms
colossi plural, colossuses plural
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Etymology
From Latin colossus, from Greek kolossos, "giant statue" — most famously the Colossus of Rhodes.