colossus

Everyday

1. A huge statue, much bigger than life size. tree →
2. A person, company or thing that is enormously big, powerful or important («a colossus of science»). tree →
3. (a name) The Colossus of Rhodes: a giant bronze statue of the sun god Helios in ancient Greece, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. tree →
4. (a name) Colossus: one of the first electronic computers, built in Britain during the Second World War to help break German codes at Bletchley Park. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons the Colossus of Rhodes is one of the Seven Wonders; it fell in an earthquake about 2,200 years ago. In computing history, Colossus helped code-breakers. In sport and news, a «colossus» is a giant figure who dominates. It tells the reader something is enormous or hugely important.

Examples

• The Colossus of Rhodes stood over thirty metres tall. tree →
• An earthquake toppled the Colossus. tree →
• The Colossus computer helped break secret codes in the war. tree →
• The goalkeeper was a colossus in defence. tree →
• The giant statue was a true colossus. tree →
• Some people call that company a colossus of technology. tree →
• The famous Colossus of Rhodes, which was one of the seven wonders of the world, was erected in honour of Helios. tree →

Note

Plural colossi («kuh-LOSS-eye») or colossuses. Adjective: colossal (huge). Myth: pictures often show the Colossus of Rhodes standing with legs across the harbour, but historians think that is unlikely.