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n. 1. a. An imaginary or legendary creature, such as a centaur or Harpy, that combines parts from various animal or human forms. b. A creature having a strange or frightening appearance. 2. Archaic An organism that has structural defects or deformities. 3. Informal A very large animal, plant, or object. 4. One who inspires horror or disgust: a monster of selfishness. adj. Informal Extremely large; monstrous: a monster hit at the box office; ate a monster steak. [Middle English monstre, from Old French, from Latin mōnstrum, portent, monster, from monēre, to warn; see men-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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