Etymology

From , the name of a creature mentioned in the Book of Job (XL.xv). It is most likely a plural form of . It may be an example of pluralis excellentiae, a Hebrew method of expressing greatness by pluralizing a noun; it thus indicates that Behemoth is the largest and most powerful animal. It is also suspected that it is derived from the ancient Egyptian name for the hippopotamus, 'p-ehe-mau', which literally translates as "water ox." http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=behemoth The word entered into Middle English at around the 14th century from late Latin.

Noun

1. A great and mighty beast described in Job 40:15-24 used to illustrate God's mightiness.
2. A great and mighty monster.
3. Something which has the qualities of great power and might, and monstrous proportions.

Synonyms

• (something of great size and power): colossus, leviathan, mammoth, titan

Quotations

• 1611 — King James Version of the Bible, Job 40:15-18

  Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.
  Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.
  He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.
  His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.

• 2001 — Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl, p 58

  Next she doused the smouldering troll with the contents of the restaurant's fire extinguisher, hoping the icy powder wouldn't revive the sleeping behemoth.