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Gordian knot Twit Definition of Gordian knot Share Definition of Gordian knot on Facebook Digg:Definition of Gordian knot! stumble Definition of Gordian knot Bookmark Definition of Gordian knot on Delicious submit Definition of Gordian knot to reddit Bookmark Definition of Gordian knot
noun 
  1. The legendary knot tied to a pole near the temple of Zeus in Gordium.
  2. (context, by extension) Any intricate and complex problem.
Translations: 
  • French: nÅ“ud gordien
  • German: Gordischer Knoten
  • Italian: nodo di Gordio
    (trans-bottom)
  • Spanish: nudo gordiano
Etymology: From the name of a legendary knot tied to a pole near the temple of Zeus in Gordium. It was prophesied that whoever loosed the knot would become ruler of all Asia. Alexander the Great solved the puzzle by slicing through the knot and took it as a sign of Zeus's favor. He then proceeded to conquer much of the known world.

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