pleiad

1 of 2

noun (1)

ple·​iad ˈplē-əd 

ˈplā-, 

-ˌad

chiefly British

ˈplī- 

: a group of usually seven illustrious or brilliant persons or things

Pleiad

2 of 2

noun (2)

: any of the Pleiades

Did you know?

In Greek mythology, the Pleiades were the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione who were changed into a conspicuous cluster of seven stars in the constellation Taurus. During the Renaissance, French speakers used Pléiade (from the singular form of Pleiades) as the name for an eminent group of seven tragic poets of ancient Alexandria. Later, the French word was also used as a sobriquet for a group of 16th-century French poets led by Pierre de Ronsard. Pleiad has been shining its light in English since about 1839.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

French Pléiade, group of seven 16th century French poets, from Middle French, group of seven tragic poets of ancient Alexandria, from Greek Pleiad-, Pleias, from singular of Pleiades

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1710, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!