What is the meaning of Tantalus?

  • (n.) A genus of wading birds comprising the wood ibises.
  • (n.) A Phrygian king who was punished in the lower world by being placed in the midst of a lake whose waters reached to his chin but receded whenever he attempted to allay his thirst, while over his head hung branches laden with choice fruit which likewise receded whenever he stretched out his hand to grasp them.
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APAWebster's. (2011). tantalus. Retrieved September 24, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/tantalus/definitions/2070380
ChicagoWebster's. 2011. "tantalus" http://smartdefine.org/tantalus/definitions/2070380 (accessed September 24, 2026).
HarvardWebster's 2011, tantalus, Smart Define, viewed 24 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/tantalus/definitions/2070380>.
MLAWebster's. "tantalus" 28 May 2011. Web. 24 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/tantalus/definitions/2070380>
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