Hercules

[hur-kyuh-leez]

noun

genitive

Herculis 

1. Also called Alcides. Classical Mythology.,  Also Heracles a celebrated hero, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, possessing exceptional strength: among his many adventures were the twelve labors for his cousin Eurystheus, performed in order to gain immortality.

2. Astronomy.,  a northern constellation, between Lyra and Corona Borealis.

Hercules

¹

/ ˈhɜːkjʊˌliːz /

noun

1. Also called: Alcides. classical myth a hero noted for his great strength, courage, and for the performance of twelve immense labours

2. a man of outstanding strength or size

Hercules

²

/ ˈhɜːkjʊˌliːz /

noun

1. a large constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Lyra and Corona Borealis

2. a conspicuous crater in the NW quadrant of the moon, about 70 kilometres in diameter

Hercules

1. A constellation in the Northern Hemisphere near Lyra and Corona Borealis.

Hercules

1. One of the greatest heroes of classical mythology, he is supposed to have been the strongest man on earth. He was renowned for completing twelve seemingly impossible tasks — the Labors of Hercules. One of these labors was the cleaning of the Augean stables; another was the killing of the nine-headed Hydra. Hercules was a son of Zeus.

Other Word Forms

• Herculean adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hercules¹

From Latin Herculēs, Herclēs, Greek; Heracles

Example Sentences

District judge found McDonald and Hercules liable for violating federal securities law and ordered them to pay millions in disgorgement and civil penalties.

From Los Angeles Times

The vehicle – a M88A2 Hercules – and the bodies of the other three soldiers were found in a peat bog on Monday.

From BBC

Those cables were then connected to another two M88A2 Hercules, which also started to slide into the bog, leading to several bulldozers being called on.

From BBC

Orci got his start producing and writing for television series in the late 1990s and early aughts, hitting the ground running with series including “Alias,” “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Xena: Warrior Princess.”

From Los Angeles Times

He remembered a mother “with a great sense of humor and a sarcastic wit” who liked to dote on her Chihuaha-dachshund mix, Hercules, and attend daily Mass.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• behemoth 
• titan