alcyones
|al-cy-ones|
C2
/ælˈsaɪəniːz/
(alcyone)
bright star in Pleiades
Etymology
Etymology Information
'alcyone' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alkyon,' where 'al-' meant 'sea' and 'kyon' meant 'conceiving.'
Historical Evolution
'alkyon' transformed into the Latin word 'alcyon,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alcyone' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a bird that calms the sea,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a mythical bird associated with calm seas.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a mythical bird, often associated with the kingfisher, said to have the power to calm the sea during the winter solstice.
The sailors prayed to the alcyones for calm seas.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/15 20:06