Pronunciation: [mˈɪnə͡ʊtˌɔː] (IPA) 
The mythological creature, the minotaur, is often misspelled due to its complex spelling. It is correctly spelled [ˈmɪnətɔː], with two syllables in "mi-no" and two in "taur". The "i" is pronounced as "ih," and the first "a" as "uh." The "o" in "no" is pronounced as "oh," and the second "a" in "taur" as "ah." Remembering these distinct sounds can help in the proper spelling of this word.
The term "minotaur" refers to a mythical creature rooted in Greek mythology. It denotes a fearsome and legendary creature that possesses the characteristics of a human and a bull. The Minotaur is said to inhabit the center of a labyrinth, a complex maze located beneath the palace of King Minos of Crete.
The Minotaur is described as having the head of a bull atop a muscular human body, standing upright on two legs. It is known for its great strength and relentless ferocity, making it a formidable adversary. According to the myth, the creature was born as a result of a curse placed upon King Minos. As punishment by the gods, his wife Queen Pasiphae fell in love with a bull, and the Minotaur was the offspring of their unnatural union.
Due to its voracious appetite for human flesh, the Minotaur was fed sacrificial victims who were sent into the labyrinth as offerings. The hero Theseus, aided by Princess Ariadne, eventually managed to navigate the labyrinth and slay the Minotaur, freeing Athens from the clutches of King Minos.
In ancient Greek art and literature, the Minotaur serves as a symbol of bestiality, violence, and the chaos that can result from indulging in primal desires. Its legend has endured over centuries, representing not only the perils of the underworld but also the inherent conflicts within human nature itself.
In anc. myth., a monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man, said to have been the fruit of the intercourse of Pasiphae, the wife of Minos, with a bull.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "minotaur" comes from ancient Greek mythology and has an interesting etymology. The term is a combination of two words: "mino-" and "-taur".
"Minos" is the name of a legendary king of Crete in Greek mythology. He was said to be the son of Zeus and Europa, and ruled over the island of Crete. According to the myth, Minos ordered the construction of the Labyrinth, a vast maze-like structure, to imprison the monstrous Minotaur.
On the other hand, "-taur" is derived from the ancient Greek word "tauros", which means "bull". The Minotaur was a creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man. He was born as a result of a curse on Minos' wife, Queen Pasiphae, who fell in love with a bull sent by Poseidon.
