Chimaera

also spelled chimera

a botanical term used to describe a plant or part of a plant that is a mixture of two or more genetically different types of cells. the most common cause of a chimaera is due to grafting one plant to another although this may also result from mutation of cells in one part of a plant.

In Greek mythology, Chimaera a large monster with the behind of a snake, the front of a lion, and a goat in between.

It was slain by Bellerophon on the Pegasus.

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This myth was also used in Mission Impossible 2. Chimaera was a deadly virus, and Bellerophon was of course the cure.

Chi*mae"ra (?), n. [NL. See Chimera.] Zool.

A cartilaginous fish of several species, belonging to the order Holocephali. The teeth are few and large. The head is furnished with appendages, and the tail terminates in a point.

 

© Webster 1913.