Definition of Tantalus

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Tan·ta·lus  audio  (tnt-ls) KEY 

NOUN:
Greek Mythology
A king who for his crimes was condemned in Hades to stand in water that receded when he tried to drink, and with fruit hanging above him that receded when he reached for it.
ETYMOLOGY:
Latin, from Greek Tantalos; see tel- in Indo-European roots


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