SIREN


Meaning of SIREN in English

■ noun

1》 a device that makes a loud prolonged signal or warning sound.

2》 Greek Mythology each of a number of women or winged creatures whose singing lured unwary sailors on to rocks.

3》 a woman who is considered to be alluring but also dangerous in some way.

4》 an eel-like American amphibian, typically living in muddy pools. [Family Sirenidae.]

Phrases

~ song (or call ) the appeal of something that is alluring but also potentially dangerous.

Origin

ME (denoting an imaginary type of snake): from OFr. ~e , from late L. Sirena , feminine of L. Siren , from Gk Seirēn .

Concise Oxford English vocab.      Сжатый оксфордский словарь английского языка.