Ah. I forgot this was Fiction week !


SIREN

PRONUNCIATION: (SY-ruhn)

MEANING:
noun:
1. A beautiful and seductive woman, especially one leading others into disaster.
2. Something attractive that is potentially disastrous.
3. A device that makes loud sounds, used for warning signals.
[What a great spot this would have been to introduce the word "ululating" !]

ETYMOLOGY:
After Siren, one of a group of sea nymphs, whose enchanting singing lured sailors to shipwreck on the rocks around their island. Also see femme fatale. Earliest documented use: 1340.

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SIRENO - the male counterpart, though inclined to be nosy. A great sword-fighter, too. See Roxanne for references.