transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈsfiŋ(k)s ]
noun
( plural sphinx·es or sphin·ges ˈsfin-ˌjēz)
Etymology: Latin, from Greek Sphinx, Sphix
Date: 15th century
1.
a. capitalized : a winged female monster in Greek mythology having a woman's head and a lion's body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle
b. : an enigmatic or mysterious person
she is a sphinx whose features hold a blank fascination
2. : an ancient Egyptian image in the form of a recumbent lion having a man's head, a ram's head, or a hawk's head
• sphinx·like -ˌlīk adjective