n. & adj.
n. 1 an imaginary or mythical being of human form but superhuman size. 2 (in Greek mythology) one of such beings who fought against the gods. 3 an abnormally tall or large person, animal, or plant. 4 a person of exceptional ability, integrity, courage, etc. 5 a large star.
attrib.adj. 1 of extraordinary size or force, gigantic; monstrous. 2 colloq. extra large (giant packet). 3 (of a plant or animal) of a very large kind. giant-killer a person who defeats a seemingly much more powerful opponent. giantism n. giant-like adj.
[ ME geant (later infl. by L) f. OF, ult. f. L gigas gigant- f. Gk ]