Definition of monster

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mon·ster    (mnstr) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. An imaginary or legendary creature, such as a centaur or Harpy, that combines parts from various animal or human forms.
   2. A creature having a strange or frightening appearance.
2. An animal, a plant, or other organism having structural defects or deformities.
3. Pathology A fetus or an infant that is grotesquely abnormal and usually not viable.
4. A very large animal, plant, or object.
5. One who inspires horror or disgust: a monster of selfishness.

ADJECTIVE:

Informal Extremely large; monstrous: a monster hit at the box office; ate a monster steak.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English monstre, from Old French, from Latin mnstrum, portent, monster, from monre, to warn; see men-¹ in Indo-European roots