Phlegethon

[ fleg-uh-thon, flej- ]

noun

1. Also called Pyr·i·phleg·e·thon [pir-, uh, -, fleg, -, uh, -thon, -, flej, -]. Classical Mythology. a river of fire, one of five rivers surrounding Hades.
2. (often lowercase) a stream of fire or fiery light.

Phlegethon

/ ˈflɛɡɪˌθɒn /

noun

1. Greek myth a river of fire in Hades

Other Words From

• Phlege·thontal Phlege·thontic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Phlegethon¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English, from Latin, from Greek phlegéthōn “blazing, flaming,” noun use of present participle of phlegéthein “to blaze”; phlegm

Word History and Origins

Origin of Phlegethon¹

C14: from Greek, literally: blazing, from phlegethein to flame, blaze

Example Sentences

The round and grape passed between the masts of the Phlegethon and beyond the Spiteful, without striking.

From Project Gutenberg

The guns having been pointed at the stakes, the Phlegethon immediately returned the compliment with rockets and her pivot-guns.

From Project Gutenberg

The gallant Captain Loch expired on board the Phlegethon about forty hours after he had received his wound.

From Project Gutenberg

In the seventh circle, second round, it emerges as the red blood stream of Phlegethon.

From Project Gutenberg

I can not endure the humiliation that has for some days past made this house more intolerable than I may one day find Phlegethon.

From Project Gutenberg