Main Entry: MYTH
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek mythos

1    a: A usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon

     b: PARABLE, ALLEGORY

2    a: A popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone; especially : one embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of society

     b: An unfounded or false notion

3 : A person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence

- Merriam-Webster OnLine