Venus

noun Ve·nus \ ˈvē-nəs \

Definition of Venus

1 : the Roman goddess of love and beauty — compare aphrodite

2 : the planet second in order from the sun — see Planets Table

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Origin and Etymology of venus

Latin Vener-, Venus, deified abstraction from an originally neuter common noun venus "sexual desire, qualities exciting desire, charm"; akin to Sanskrit vanate "(s/he) likes, takes pleasure in," -vana- "loving," vāñchati "(s/he) desires, wishes," Old English wȳscan "to wish," wunian "to remain, dwell," Old Norse una "to be satisfied"

Note: Latin venus, as probably also Vedic Sanskrit vanas-, a hapax legomenon of uncertain meaning, is an s-stem derivative from a verbal base going back to Indo-European *wenH- "wish, desire," most likely distinct from *wen- "struggle, gain"; see ¹win.

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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VENUS Defined for English Language Learners

Venus

noun

Definition of Venus for English Language Learners

: the planet that is second in order from the sun

VENUS Defined for Kids

Venus

noun Ve·nus \ ˈvē-nəs \

Definition of Venus for Students

: the planet that is second in order of distance from the sun and has a diameter of about 7,500 miles (12,100 kilometers)

Learn More about venus

See words that rhyme with Venus Spanish Central: Translation of Venus Nglish: Translation of Venus for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of Venus for Arabic speakers

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Venus's-basket

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