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| si·ren [ srən ] (plural si·rens) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. stationary warning device: a warning device that produces a loud wailing sound when a current of compressed air or steam is forced through a rotating perforated disk
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2. portable warning device: an electronic warning device, often mounted or placed on a moving vehicle, that produces a loud wailing sound
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3. sea nymph luring sailors onto rocks: in Greek mythology, a sea nymph, half-woman and half-bird, who was believed to sing beguilingly to passing sailors in order to lure them to their doom on the rocks she sat on
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4. offensive term: an offensive term for a woman whose sexual attractiveness is considered dangerous
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5. salamander resembling eel: a salamander with a long thin body and tail, permanent external gills, lungs, small forelegs, and no hind limbs. Family Sirenidae.
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| [14th century. Via French< Latin Siren "sea nymph" < Greek Seirēn] |