Pandoras

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The term refers to multiple legendary mythological women who unleashed unforeseen troubles upon the world ; or to more than one container or box that, when opened, release a host of complex issues or troubles ; or to figurative uses referencing sources of unexpected complications or difficult consequences
2. Used for several women from Greek mythology associated with releasing hardship into the world ; for various boxes or chests that bring about myriad problems when opened ; or for things that initiate a series of challenging events
3. Describes a group of mythic figures known for bringing woes to humanity ; several vessels whose opening causes an outpouring of troubles ; or any number of situations or objects that lead to unintended negative effects

Etymology: "Pandoras" is simply the plural of "pandora," so the story belongs to the singular. The noun takes its name from Pandora, the first woman in Greek myth, who opened a jar (later often rendered as a box) and released every ill into the world, leaving only hope inside. From that tale, "pandora" came to mean a container of troubles, and the plural form refers to several such boxes at once.

Synonyms: boxes, containers