What does chimera mean?
A chimera is something illusory — a dream, hope, or plan that captivates the imagination but cannot actually be achieved or realized. The word derives from Greek mythology, where the Chimera was a monstrous, fire-breathing creature combining the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. This image of an impossible composite gave rise to the modern figurative sense: any fanciful notion pursued in vain, often with a hint of self-deception or folly. Calling an ambition a chimera suggests it is not merely difficult but fundamentally unattainable. In science, the word has taken on a precise, unrelated-feeling but historically connected meaning: a biological chimera is an organism composed of cells from genetically distinct sources, whether naturally occurring or deliberately engineered in research. The adjective 'chimerical' describes anything wildly improbable or imaginary. Whether describing doomed political schemes or cutting-edge genetics, chimera conveys the tension between what we imagine and what is real.
An illusion or unattainable object of pursuit; something imagined or hoped for that has no reality.
"World peace through conquest was the chimera that consumed his reign."
Usually singular when used figuratively; carries a pejorative tone suggesting delusion.
An organism composed of cells derived from genetically distinct individuals or lineages.
"The patient was identified as a genetic chimera after DNA tests revealed two distinct blood types."
Technical usage in genetics and developmental biology; neutral register.
Standard pluralization applies; used both for multiple illusions and multiple biological organisms.
"The novel's hero spends decades chasing chimeras that lead only to disappointment."
Chimera began as a fire-breathing monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail — and now names everything from impossible dreams to people carrying two sets of DNA.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chimera
Chimera comes from Latin 'chimaera', borrowed from Greek 'khimaira', the name of the mythical fire-breathing monster, which may originally relate to a word for a young goat (kheimaros) or she-goat. English adopted the word in the late Middle Ages / early modern period, initially referring to the mythological beast before extending to any illusory or impossible idea. Cognate forms include 'chimerical' and the British variant spelling 'chimaera'.
Related word forms
How chimera is actually used
In figurative use the word carries a strongly negative or cautionary connotation, implying self-deception or futile pursuit. In scientific contexts (biology, medicine) the term is neutral and technical. The spelling 'chimaera' is a British variant.
Easily confused with chimera
Chimera is the noun meaning an illusion or hybrid organism, while chimerical is the adjective meaning wildly fanciful or imaginary.