Definitions for: Hercules

[n] a large constellation in the northern hemisphere between Lyra and Corona Borealis
[n] (classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength; performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality

Webster (1913) Definition: Her"cu*les, n.
1. (Gr. Myth.) A hero, fabled to have been the son of Jupiter
and Alcmena, and celebrated for great strength, esp. for
the accomplishment of his twelve great tasks or
``labors.''

2. (Astron.) A constellation in the northern hemisphere, near
Lyra.

Hercules' beetle (Zo["o]l.), any species of Dynastes, an
American genus of very large lamellicorn beetles, esp. {D.
hercules} of South America, which grows to a length of six
inches.

Hercules' club. (Bot.)
(a) An ornamental tree of the West Indies ({Zanthoxylum
Clava-Herculis}), of the same genus with the prickly
ash.
(b) A variety of the common gourd (Lagenaria vulgaris).
Its fruit sometimes exceeds five feet in length.
(c) The Angelica tree. See under Angelica.

Hercules powder, an explosive containing nitroglycerin; --
used for blasting.

Synonyms: Alcides, Heracles, Herakles

See Also: constellation, mythical being

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