Promethean

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 16, 2010 is: Promethean • \pruh-MEE-thee-un\  • adjective : of, relating to, or resembling Prometheus, his experiences, or his art; especially : daringly original or creative Examples: The Olympics showcase Promethean performances by athletes who are always pushing the limits of human ability. Did you know? As some versions of the story go in Greek mythology, Prometheus (one of the Titan giants) modeled humans from clay and then taught them agriculture and all the arts of civilization. He also stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. So inventive was he that anything that bears the stamp of creativity and originality can still be called "Promethean." Zeus, however, had wanted the human race to perish, so Prometheus' actions were also disobedient. Hence "Promethean" can also mean defiant of authority or limits. As punishment for his disobedience, Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock where an eagle daily tore at his liver. Thus, any suffering on a grand scale can also be called Promethean -- though this sense is not as common as the others. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.