1. Plural of Lachesis; in Greek mythology, one of the three Fates who measures the length of human life.
Usage: mythology; often capitalized; classical reference
2. A genus of large venomous pit vipers found in Central and South America.
Usage: zoology; scientific taxonomy

Examples

• In ancient Greek mythology, Lachesis was one of the three Lacheses who controlled human destiny.
• The Lacheses snake is one of the longest venomous snakes in the Western Hemisphere.
• Classical texts often depict the Lacheses measuring out the thread of life with their instruments.
• Herpetologists study various species within the genus Lacheses to understand their behavior.
• The three Lacheses—Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos—represented birth, life, and death respectively.