astraean
|a-strae-an|
/əˈstreɪən/
of or relating to Astraea / stars
Etymology
'astraean' originates from Latinized form 'Astraea', ultimately from Greek 'Astraia', where the root 'astr-' (from Greek 'astēr') meant 'star'.
'astraean' changed from the proper name 'Astraea' (Greek/Roman mythic figure) into an adjectival form in English to mean 'of or relating to Astraea' and by extension 'starry' or 'relating to the asteroid/Taxa named Astraea'.
Initially, it referred specifically to the goddess 'Astraea' or things directly named for her; over time it acquired broader literary and technical senses of 'star-related' and adjectival uses tied to entities named Astraea.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a follower, inhabitant, or devotee associated with a place or polity named Astraea; also (rare) a person devoted to ideals associated with Astraea (justice, purity).
The Astraeans gathered each year to celebrate the founding legend.
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Adjective 1
relating to Astraea, the Greek goddess of justice (mythological sense).
The poet invoked astraean themes of justice and innocence.
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Adjective 2
relating to or characteristic of the stars; starry or celestial (literary/poetic).
A faint astraean glow lay along the horizon.
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Adjective 3
pertaining to the asteroid 5 Astraea or to organisms/taxa named Astraea in biology (technical use).
The paper described several astraean specimens collected near the reef.
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Last updated: 2025/11/07 04:22