whirlpool off the coast of Sicily, from Latinized form of Greek Kharybdis, which is of unknown origin. Compare Scylla.
Entries linking to charybdis
Scylla n.
female sea-monster in the Strait of Messina, presiding genius of a dangerous rock in the passage, from Latinized form of Greek Skylla, Skyllē, a name of unknown origin, traditionally associated with skylax "a young dog, dog," from skyllein "to tear." Compare Charybdis.