aspidochelone

Meaning

Noun

• A fabled sea creature according to the tradition of the Physiologus and medieval bestiaries, variously described as a large whale or vast sea turtle, and a giant sea monster with huge spines on the ridge of its back. It is often mistaken for an island, enticing unwitting sailors and drowning them.

Origin

• From Ancient Greek ἀσπιδοχελώνη.