siren

Definitions


[ˈsʌɪrən], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a device that makes a loud prolonged signal or warning sound
(e.g: ambulance sirens)

- each of a number of women or winged creatures whose singing lured unwary sailors on to rocks

- a woman who is considered to be alluring or fascinating but also dangerous in some way
(e.g: Vanessa looked every inch the sultry screen siren as she posed for the cameras)

- an eel-like American amphibian with tiny forelimbs, no hindlimbs, small eyes, and external gills, typically living in muddy pools


Phrases:
- siren song

Origin:
Middle English (denoting an imaginary type of snake): from Old French sirene, from late Latin Sirena, feminine of Latin Siren, from Greek Seirēn




definition by Oxford Dictionaries