halcyon

¹hal·cy·on

noun \ˈhal-sē-ən\

Definition of HALCYON

1

: a bird identified with the kingfisher and held in ancient legend to nest at sea about the time of the winter solstice and to calm the waves during incubation

2

: kingfisher

Origin of HALCYON

Middle English alceon, from Latin halcyon, from Greek alkyōn, halkyōn

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix

²halcyon

adjective

Definition of HALCYON

1

: of or relating to the halcyon or its nesting period

2

a : calm, peaceful

b : happy, golden

c : prosperous, affluent

Examples of HALCYON

1. <a halcyon era following the American Civil War>
2. <during those early halcyon years the company's potential for growth seemed unlimited>

First Known Use of HALCYON

1601

Related to HALCYON

Synonyms

calm, hushed, lown [dialect], peaceful, placid, quiet, serene, still, stilly, tranquil, untroubled

Antonyms

agitated, angry, inclement, restless, rough, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, unquiet, unsettled

Related Words

balmy, clement, equable, gentle, mild, moderate, temperate; clear, cloudless, fair, rainless, sunny, sunshiny, windless

Near Antonyms

blizzardy (also blizzardly), blustery, squally, windy; extreme, foul, intemperate, nasty, severe

Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix