tantalize [L16th] In Greek mythology Tantalus was a king of Lydia (modern-day Turkey) condemned for his sins to stand for eternity up to his chin in water which receded whenever he tried to drink it and under branches of fruit that drew back when he tried to reach them. Tantalize is based on his name. The same story is reflected in tantalus [L19], a stand in which decanters of whisky, brandy, and other spirits are locked out of reach but remain visible. In the early 19th century a newly discovered metal was named tantalum because its inability to absorb acid was similar to Tantalus’ inability to absorb water. Tannoy [1920s] is a contraction of tantalum alloy which is used as a rectifier in this sound reproduction and amplification system. Tannoy was originally a proprietary name.