moloch

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See also: Moloch

English

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Etymology

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From Hebrew מולך (molokh, Ammonite god, worshipped by Canaanites and Phoenicians, who demanded child-sacrifice. Mentioned in Leviticus and Deuteronomy).

Pronunciation

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Noun

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moloch (plural molochs)

  1. Any of species Moloch horridus of Australian lizards, sole species of the genus Moloch.

Synonyms

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References

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Dutch

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Dutch Wikipedia has an article on:
Wikipedia nl

Etymology

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From Hebrew מולך (mólech, idol mentioned in the Bible demanding child sacrifice); the figurative use here is derived from this usage (see Moloch, the name of the god proper). The sense 'lizard' derives from its scientific name Moloch horridus, which in turn is derived from the Hebrew.

Pronunciation

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  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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moloch m (plural molochs, diminutive molochje n)

  1. (figurative) anything large, untransparent and cumbersome, particularly a bureaucratic body
  2. moloch (lizard)
    Synonyms: bergduivel, woestijnduivel

French

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Pronunciation

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Noun

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moloch m (plural molochs)

  1. moloch

Further reading

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